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 became one of the wealthiest criminals in history, controlling a significant portion of the cocaine trade into the United States during the 1980s and early 1990s. His cartel's activities and immense wealth made him a notorious and influential figure.

Sections (5)

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

1971: Kidnapping of Diego Echavarria

In the summer of 1971, Escobar kidnapped businessman Diego Echavarria, eventually killing him and receiving a $50,000 ransom from the Echavarria family, marking a significant event in Escobar's early criminal career.

May 1976: Escobar's Arrest for Drug Trafficking

In May 1976, Escobar was arrested on his return from drug trafficking in Ecuador when DAS agents found 39 kg of cocaine in his car; he later bribed the judge to be released.

1976: Investigation of Escobar's Arrest

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

November 1985: Escobar requests Conditional Surrender

In the fall of November 1985, Escobar requested the Colombian government to allow his conditional surrender without extradition to the United States; after the proposal was rejected, he founded the Los Extraditables Organization.

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

In 1985, Escobar financed the Palace of Justice siege committed by M-19. The army was blamed for the killings of more than 100 people, including 11 Supreme Court magistrates, M-19 members, and employees of the cafeteria, according to Vallejo's account.

1986: Supreme Court Declares Extradition Treaty Illegal

In late 1986, Colombia's Supreme Court declared the previous extradition treaty illegal, marking a short-lived victory for Escobar.

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

In August 1989, Luis Carlos Galán was assassinated on Pablo Escobar's orders, and Escobar also planted a bomb on Avianca Flight 203 in an attempt to assassinate Galán's successor, César Gaviria Trujillo, resulting in the deaths of all 107 people on board.

July 2006: Vallejo Taken to United States for Safety

On 18 July 2006, Virginia Vallejo was taken to the United States by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for "safety and security reasons" due to her cooperation in high-profile criminal cases. On 24 July, a video of Vallejo accusing Santofimio of instigating Escobar to eliminate Galán was aired on RCN Television of Colombia.

July 2006: Virginia Vallejo offers testimony in Alberto Santofimio trial

On 4 July 2006, television anchorwoman Virginia Vallejo, who was romantically involved with Escobar from 1983 to 1987, offered Attorney General Mario Iguarán her testimony in the trial against former Senator Alberto Santofimio, who was accused of conspiracy in the 1989 assassination of presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galán. On 4 July, Iguarán acknowledged that Vallejo had contacted his office, but the judge closed the trial on 9 July.

2008: Reopening of Palace of Justice siege case

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

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

On 31 August 2011, Alberto Santofimio was sentenced to 24 years in prison for his role in the 1989 crime of instigating Escobar to eliminate presidential candidate Galán.

June 2018: Accusation of Money Laundering in Argentina

On 5 June 2018, Argentine federal judge Nestor Barral accused María Isabel Santos Caballero (Escobar's widow) and her son, Sebastián Marroquín Santos, of money laundering with two Colombian drug traffickers. The judge ordered the seizing of assets for about $1m each.