In the heart of Madrid, officers from the National Police arrested a Colombian national known by the nickname Mono Gerly. The man was internationally wanted on charges of large-scale money laundering and supporting terrorist activities. He was considered one of the key members of the Ejército de Liberación Nacional (ELN), a group that still maintains influence in several regions of Colombia.
The operation to capture the fugitive lasted several months. Officers from the most-wanted criminals unit discovered that the suspect and his wife had settled in one of Madrid’s neighborhoods last fall. Although he had no permanent address, he regularly visited a shop he had opened in the city center. Mono Gerly was arrested there as he was about to enter the premises.
Involvement in the ELN
According to police, the detainee spent more than two decades as part of the so-called Eastern Front of the ELN. Within the organization, he held the position of the third-highest leader in the central command. He is suspected not only of money laundering and financing terrorism, but also of illegal enrichment and establishing criminal schemes through shell companies and currency exchanges.
Investigators believe that Mono Gerly was responsible for organizing money laundering channels for proceeds from drug trafficking and extortion. He coordinated people assisting ELN, oversaw drug production labs, and managed the transfer of cash for subsequent investment in real estate and other assets.
Laundering schemes
The methods used by the suspect included purchasing land, homes, and exchanging currency through legitimate businesses. These schemes enabled criminal proceeds to be converted into legal assets. He was also in charge of recruiting and coordinating individuals who supported ELN locally.
Police note that Mono Gerly’s activities allowed the organization not only to finance armed operations but also to strengthen its influence in Colombia’s border regions. This includes the departments of Arauca, Casanare, and Boyacá, where the ELN has traditionally maintained a strong presence.
Border control
Particular attention is given to the Arauca region, which borders Venezuela. Over recent years, the ELN has noticeably strengthened its position here, controlling not only illegal crossings but also the flow of smuggled fuel and food. The organization combines armed pressure with local control measures, allowing it to maintain lasting influence.
Recently, high-profile incidents have occurred in Arauca: an attack on the governor and the kidnapping of five soldiers. These events underscore the significant influence of the ELN in the region and the difficulties authorities face in maintaining control.
Negotiations on hold
Since early 2025, negotiations between the Colombian government and the ELN have been suspended. This has allowed the organization to strengthen its position and expand its territorial control. Founded in 1964 under the influence of the Cuban revolution and religious movements, the ELN remains the last major armed group in the country.
The arrest of Mono Gerly in Madrid was a significant event for both Spanish and Colombian law enforcement. Extradition proceedings are expected to begin soon, with the suspect facing severe punishment at home under multiple serious charges.
