Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Pablo Escobar

Public opinion and media debates around Pablo Escobar—discover key moments of controversy.

Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord and the leader of the Medellín Cartel, known as the "King of Cocaine." He amassed immense wealth, estimated at $30 billion, by monopolizing the cocaine trade to the US in the 1980s and early 1990s. His actions involved narcoterrorism and significantly impacted Colombia's social and political landscape during that period. Escobar's influence and wealth made him one of history's wealthiest and most notorious criminals.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1971: Kidnapping of Diego Echavarria

In the summer of 1971, Pablo Escobar's gang kidnapped businessman Diego Echavarria, who was eventually killed, and Escobar received a $50,000 ransom from the Echavarria family.

May 1976: Escobar's Arrest and Release

In May 1976, Pablo Escobar was arrested by the Colombian Security Service (DAS) for drug trafficking in Ecuador. He was found with 39 kg of cocaine, but managed to bribe a judge for his release.

1976: Investigation of Escobar by Lara-Bonilla

In 1976, Pablo Escobar's arrest was investigated by Rodrigo Lara-Bonilla's subordinates, who later became Escobar's opponent in Congress.

November 1985: Los Extraditable Organization

In November 1985, Pablo Escobar requested the Colombian government to allow his conditional surrender without extradition to the United States. The proposal was initially rejected, and Escobar subsequently founded and implicitly supported the Los Extraditable Organization, which aims to fight extradition policy

1985: Escobar's role in the Palace of Justice siege

In 1985, according to Virginia Vallejo, Escobar financed the Palace of Justice siege which was committed by M-19; she blamed the army for the killings of more than 100 people.

August 1989: Assassination of Luis Carlos Galán and Bombing of Avianca Flight 203

In August 1989, Pablo Escobar ordered the assassination of Luis Carlos Galán and planted a bomb on Avianca Flight 203 in an attempt to assassinate César Gaviria Trujillo, resulting in the deaths of 107 people.

July 2006: Virginia Vallejo offers testimony in trial against Alberto Santofimio

In July 2006, Virginia Vallejo, who had a romantic relationship with Escobar from 1983 to 1987, offered her testimony to Attorney General Mario Iguarán in the trial against former Senator Alberto Santofimio, who was accused of conspiracy in the 1989 assassination of Luis Carlos Galán. Iguarán acknowledged the contact from Vallejo in July 2006.

July 2006: Vallejo taken to the United States for safety reasons

On July 18, 2006, Virginia Vallejo was taken to the United States on a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) flight for "safety and security reasons" because of her cooperation in high-profile criminal cases.

2008: Reopening of the Palace of Justice siege case

In 2008, Virginia Vallejo's statements prompted the reopening of the case regarding the 1985 Palace of Justice siege. Vallejo was asked to testify, and many of the events she described in her book and testimonial were confirmed by Colombia's Commission of Truth.

Amando a Pablo, odiando a Escobar / Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar (MTI) (Spanish Edition)

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August 2011: Santofimio sentenced to prison for Galán's assassination

In August 2011 Santofimio was sentenced to 24 years in prison for his role in Luis Carlos Galán's assassination.

June 2018: María Henao accused of money laundering

On June 5, 2018, the Argentine federal judge Nestor Barral accused María Henao and her son, Sebastián Marroquín, of money laundering with two Colombian drug traffickers. The judge ordered the seizing of assets for about $1m each.