The Colombian prosecutor’s office has opened an investigation into allegations by the ex-wife of the president’s son, Nicolas Pedro.

In an interview with the publication Semana, Vázquez accused Nicolás Pedro of receiving 1 billion pesos (US$250,000) for his father’s campaign, which he did not report in official accounts but instead kept.

The money allegedly went to former congressman Samuel Santander Lopesiera and businessman Alfonso Hilsaga, who were convicted of drug trafficking in the United States, for criminal conspiracy and murder.

The state attorney’s office said it has been investigating Juan Fernando Pedro since January for allegedly receiving payments from criminals in exchange for inclusion in peace talks the president hopes to hold with criminals as part of his “total peace” policy.

During the campaign, the then-candidate’s brother’s visit to jails across the country created one of the most significant controversies of the election race.

“My government does not offer criminal concessions in exchange for bribes, on the contrary, we are creating legal mechanisms so that these groups outside the law can take advantage of justice, provide reparations to victims, and stop violence in cities and other territories,” Pedro said Thursday.

“My commitment to Colombia and Colombians is to achieve peace, and there is no place in the government for those who want to interfere with that goal or take personal advantage, even if they are members of my family,” he continued.

“I hope my brother and my son can prove their innocence, but I will respect the results of justice.”

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