President Petro Alleges Plot Between Election Firm and Far-Right Candidate to Rig 2026 Vote

President Gustavo Petro claims intelligence reveals a deal between Thomas Greg & Sons and Abelardo de la Espriella to manipulate Colombia's 2026 election results.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 8, 2026, 10:46 AM EDT

Source: Colombia Reports

Allegations of Algorithmic Fraud and Contract Kickbacks

The political landscape in Colombia was upended this week after President Gustavo Petro utilized social media to level serious accusations against the owners of Thomas Greg & Sons. According to the President, "intelligence reports" have uncovered high-level discussions between the Bautista brothers—owners of the logistics firm—and far-right presidential hopeful Abelardo de la Espriella. Petro suggests that the firm sought the return of a lucrative government passport printing contract in exchange for deploying software algorithms designed to guarantee a victory for de la Espriella in the 2026 presidential race.

Intelligence Leaks and the DNI Document

Following the President’s statement, a declassified document purportedly from the National Intelligence Agency (DNI) surfaced via social media channels known for hosting leaked government data. The document confirms that the agency received an anonymous complaint detailing a "close relationship" between the candidate and the Bautista brothers. The complaint specifically alleges that the parties intended to orchestrate fraud within the vote-counting records by utilizing outsourced software to manipulate tallies at the regional level, effectively inflating de la Espriella's numbers to ensure his advancement.

Strategic Context and the Regulatory Fallout

This development marks a significant escalation in the ongoing friction between the Petro administration and Thomas Greg & Sons, a company that has managed Colombian election logistics for years. The Bautista brothers, who have prior convictions for fraud, recently saw their long-standing passport printing contract challenged by the government, creating a backdrop of professional and legal animosity. By linking the firm’s business interests to the political aspirations of a far-right rival, Petro is framing the upcoming election not just as a choice between ideologies, but as a battle against institutional corruption and "deep state" private interests.