AGP Executive Report

Cocaine Crackdown: Albania’s SPAK and prosecutors ordered the arrest of 10 suspects tied to a major international cocaine network, with authorities also seizing about €150m in hotels, villas, apartments, shares, bank accounts and resort properties, after multiple multi-ton seizures linked to the group across Belgium, the Netherlands, Ecuador and Colombia. Colombia Climate & Water: Santa Marta issued Colombia’s first El Niño alert and declared a public calamity as extreme heat and reduced rainfall threaten water supplies, with authorities citing pressure on sources feeding the city from the Sierra Nevada. Colombia Education Politics: With Colombia’s presidential runoff nearing, education is emerging as a key divider between Abelardo de la Espriella and Ivan Cepeda, with experts warning both plans still face gaps on implementation, teacher development and learning outcomes. Regional Macro: The World Bank cut its Latin America and Caribbean growth outlook for 2026-27, citing the Middle East oil shock’s inflation and tighter monetary policy effects. Business & Travel Tech: LATAM Airlines partnered with Meili to let travelers book car rentals directly inside LATAM’s app and website, aiming to boost ancillary revenue and loyalty integration. Finance Markets: Nubank priced R$1.59bn in financial bills after strong demand, signaling investor appetite for the digital bank’s funding strategy. World Cup Economy: Coca-Cola Curaçao launched collectible World Cup “Country Colors” cans featuring Curaçao, Brazil, Colombia and the Netherlands, blending sports marketing with local retail demand.

ELN Ceasefire Ahead of Runoff: Colombia’s ELN rebels ordered fighters to suspend attacks on the military from June 20-23, overlapping the June 21 presidential vote, saying it wants Colombians to vote freely and warning against foreign interference. Ecopetrol Labor Deal: Colombia’s state oil giant Ecopetrol signed a six-year collective bargaining agreement with its main union USO starting Jan. 1, 2026, after a June walkout, alongside 66 other union agreements. Biometrics in the Spotlight: The U.S. State Department’s INL is moving to buy Clearview AI facial recognition licenses for Colombian police units via a foreign law enforcement program, adding to the global debate over biometric surveillance. World Cup Boost for Colombia-Linked Travel: Colombia’s presence shows up in the Miami buildup, including watch-party schedules and the broader tourism push around FIFA 2026. Energy Transition Survey: A global survey of executives (including Colombia-based firms) finds 90% expect operations to be largely electrified by 2035, citing competitiveness and energy security. Education as a Campaign Divider: With the runoff near, education policy is emerging as a key split between Abelardo de la Espriella and Ivan Cepeda, with experts flagging gaps on implementation and outcomes.

Colombia-Economy & Markets: El Dorado, a Colombia-based stablecoin payments startup, raised $9m Series A led by Paradigm to scale cross-border payments across Latin America, targeting underserved corridors and operating in 12 countries. Colombia-Politics & Business Climate: With a runoff vote nearing, Colombians face a stark economic choice as lawmakers and international voices debate potential U.S. interference in the election. Colombia-Industry & Investment: Antioquia’s governor floated the idea of a Urabá spaceport after an exchange with Elon Musk/SpaceX about expanding Starship launch sites—an ambitious pitch for new infrastructure and jobs. Environment & Trade: A new Colombia cattle-tracking law requires deforestation-free beef supply chains, aiming to close loopholes that let illegally cleared land feed legitimate markets. World Cup & Local Economy: World Cup fever hits Miami with strict stadium rules, cashless entry, and drone restrictions—while Colombia’s own match schedule includes Colombia vs. Portugal on June 27. Security & Justice Region: Ecuador’s prosecutor Alexandra Bravo was killed in an attack targeting justice officials, underscoring risks for courts amid the country’s internal armed conflict.

Colombia Election Runoff: With the June 21 presidential runoff approaching, Colombia’s last legal polls show Abelardo de la Espriella leading Iván Cepeda, with results tight enough to hinge on turnout and undecided voters—while the campaign debate stays centered on how much to spend versus how lean the state should be. Fiscal & Business Stakes: The runoff pits a pro-business, smaller-state agenda against a continuation of Petro-style social spending, with critics pointing to heavy deficits and higher costs for firms. Cocaine & Money Laundering Case: A special anti-corruption court upheld pretrial detention for suspects tied to a major cocaine trafficking and laundering network allegedly moving drugs from Colombia and Ecuador to European ports. World Cup Business Angle: FIFA’s collectibles shift hits Colombia too: Panini’s World Cup sticker deal ends and Fanatics takes over, with free youth-focused products planned. Energy Transition Poll: A global survey of business leaders finds strong support for electrification, with instability and fossil-fuel volatility pushing companies to accelerate plans—relevant for Colombia’s energy and industrial strategy. Tech & Payments: Intercall highlights AI-assisted interpreting for professionals, pointing to growing demand for real-time language services in cross-border business.

World Cup Business Pulse: The 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway across the US, Canada and Mexico, with Colombia’s fans set to watch Group E action including Ecuador vs. Ivory Coast and later Colombia in Group K—while the tournament is already reshaping local spending, from bars and watch parties to real estate demand. Crypto & Payments: FIFA named Kraken as its first-ever crypto exchange supporter, signaling deeper mainstream adoption as stablecoin use keeps growing in Latin America; Rain reports about $1.5T transacted via stablecoins from 2022-2025, with major fee reductions for users. Energy & Trade Signals: US EIA data shows Iraq jumped to 6th among crude suppliers to the US, while Colombia remains a key source at about 154,000 bpd. Innovation Spotlight: Medellín’s REDBIO 2025 is credited with boosting momentum for biotech and bioeconomy projects into 2026, reinforcing Colombia’s role as a regional innovation hub. Regional Politics Watch: Leaked “Honduras Gate” audios tied to a possible disinformation network continue to stir controversy across Latin America, including claims involving Colombia’s Petro.

Colombia Election Fallout: U.S. Democrats condemned Donald Trump’s “complete and total endorsement” of far-right presidential hopeful Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of Colombia’s June 21 runoff, saying it tips the scales and violates Colombian sovereignty. Poverty & Social Gains: Colombia reported 1.8 million people exited monetary poverty in 2025, with extreme poverty falling below 10% (to 9.6%), alongside a drop in inequality. US–Venezuela Security: Trump said a U.S. strike with Venezuela killed Tren de Aragua leader “Niño Guerrero,” while analysts link the move to a broader shift toward direct U.S. action in the war on drugs. Regional Politics Watch: Leftist candidate Iván Cepeda said he aims to keep “great transformations” after the runoff, as polls show a tight race. Cuba–Colombia Aid: Cuba thanked Petro for nearly 100 tons of humanitarian aid shipped by Colombia’s navy, calling solidarity “cannot be blocked.” Business/Finance: Commentary highlights Nu Holdings’ rapid growth in Latin America as its stock slides, pointing to a potential valuation reset.

Drug Enforcement: The U.S. Joint Interagency Task Force South says it seized about 5,612 pounds of cocaine in three separate marine and go-fast interceptions with partners, including 783 kg off Panama, 826 kg off Mexico, and 937 kg off Guatemala, with a combined estimated value above $305 million. Organized Crime: President Trump announced a U.S.-Venezuela joint operation killed Tren de Aragua leader Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores (“Niño Guerrero”) in Bolívar, with Venezuela confirming clashes during the strike. Aviation & Tourism: ALMA Air brought Colombia’s first commercial seaplane in 70 years to Medellín, aiming to expand amphibious routes to Cartagena in 2026. Colombia Policy Debate: Academics at Universidad de los Andes urge the next Colombian government to rethink drug policy, focusing on poverty and violence in coca-affected territories rather than only supply reduction. Real Estate Flows: Colombian buyers’ interest in South Florida homes is rising amid Colombia’s political uncertainty, with Realtor.com data showing Florida as a top destination for international demand. World Cup Business: Secondary-market prices for the Portugal-Colombia match at Hard Rock Stadium have surged after FIFA allocations sold out, with the cheapest resale seats reported above $3,000.

World Cup Business & Travel: FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage action is in full swing, with June 13 featuring Qatar vs Switzerland, Brazil vs Morocco, and Haiti vs Scotland, plus major watch-party activity in the U.S. Colombia Sports Economy: Colombia could earn record prize money as the tournament expands to 48 teams, while a LendingTree study says the cost of a Colombia-related group trip (Colombia vs Portugal in Miami) could top $4,000 per person—showing how match location drives spending. EV Charging Investment: A new report by C40 Cities and IFC flags a $4B EV charging investment opportunity through 2035, explicitly including Colombia among the priority markets. Security & Governance: A U.S.-Colombia security brief warns illegal armed groups have expanded across most municipalities, pushing the next government toward a territorially targeted security strategy and deeper cooperation beyond counternarcotics. Tourism & Trade Links: Curaçao’s tourism keeps growing (May stayovers +10%), with Colombia emerging as a fast-rising source market, while local lawmakers discuss importing cheaper food from Colombia to ease cost-of-living pressure. Organized Crime Crackdown: Albania’s anti-corruption police report a major cocaine and money-laundering operation allegedly involving trafficking from Colombia into Europe.

FX Watch: The U.S. dollar slid to its weakest level of 2026 versus the Colombian peso, with the TRM around COP 3,476 on June 12, down about COP 160 since early June—fueling a strong peso rally. World Cup Economy: Colombia’s bars, restaurants and nightlife groups are bracing for a major boost, with Asobares projecting about US$160M in extra revenue during the World Cup season and sales up roughly 23.5% from June 11 to July 19. Payments & Trade Tech: Blokko and Dejavoo are teaming up to push international real-time payments for World Cup travelers, enabling instant conversion and USD settlement for merchants. Public Safety & Voting Logistics: Colombia’s consulates in Miami and Houston moved voting centers for the June 21 runoff after crowding and traffic issues in the first round, with World Cup activity cited as a complicating factor. El Niño Update: Colombia officially entered El Niño season on June 11, with higher temperatures and increased solar radiation already showing up even in Bogotá. Infrastructure Accountability: Colombia has spent over US$60M on four unfinished “jungle airports,” with communities still waiting as completion rates remain low. Counterfeit Crackdown: U.S. CBP seized a shipment from Colombia in Cincinnati with counterfeit luxury watches, sunglasses and accessories worth over US$19M in retail value.

Trade & Environment: Brazil’s Lula says it will use record drops in Amazon and Cerrado deforestation to push back against proposed U.S. tariffs tied to environmental claims, pledging to submit the data to the U.S. trade office. Digital Economy: Colombia’s MinTIC unveiled a refreshed global identity for the .co domain at ICANN, with the registry’s government share rising to 92% to fund connectivity and narrow the digital divide. Crypto Payments: Ripple and Bitso expand stablecoin settlement, with Bitso’s MXN-backed MXNB issued on the XRP Ledger and paired with Ripple’s RLUSD to support cross-border liquidity in the U.S.–Mexico corridor. Business & Culture: Colombian singer Kate Rozo is building momentum in Miami after sold-out South Florida shows, highlighting growing demand for Colombian popular music abroad. Sports Media Deal: DAZN struck a multi-year agreement with DSPORTS to show all 104 World Cup matches across Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Uruguay. Agriculture & Risk: Florida moves to block shelter pets from Texas and New Mexico after screwworm detections, tightening biosecurity that could affect regional animal flows.

Colombia Politics & Markets: A new AtlasIntel poll puts far-right Abelardo de la Espriella ahead of Ivan Cepeda by about 7.8 points in Colombia’s presidential runoff, while Cepeda escalates the campaign with plans to file complaints alleging terrorism financing and illicit enrichment against De la Espriella. Monetary Debate: De la Espriella’s dollarization push is back in focus, but he now signals it won’t be part of his agenda due to constitutional and legal hurdles. Macroeconomy: The World Bank cut its 2026 growth forecast for Latin America and the Caribbean to 2.2%, citing weaker global demand and energy-related uncertainty; Colombia is still projected to grow 2.3% on oil support. Business & Tourism: Bogotá launched a “Vive San Victorino” tourism route to reframe the historic market district as an experience for visitors, not just a quick stop. World Cup & Sports Economy: FIFA’s 48-team World Cup kicks off today across the US, Canada and Mexico, with Colombia set to play in Mexico City and Guadalajara; meanwhile, Bank of America expands its Sports with Us youth program in host countries.

Colombia–U.S. Politics: President Donald Trump pledged “full support” to Colombia’s runoff candidate Abelardo de la Espriella, promising economic and security help if he wins—an overt signal that raises the stakes for the campaign. Labor & Business Costs: Colombia’s labor reform is showing up in hiring behavior: more than 8,000 companies reportedly paid fines instead of taking on SENA apprentices, highlighting how compliance rules can shift costs onto penalties. Human Rights Law: Colombia passed a landmark bill banning female genital mutilation, with Indigenous women credited for pushing the measure through Congress. Trade & Logistics: Canadian Cargojet Airways is set to start weekly non-scheduled cargo flights in Guyana, linking routes through Medellín and Miami as the country’s air-freight demand grows. World Cup Economy: Colombia is expected to send about 91,000 travelers to World Cup host countries, boosting international travel and related spending during June–July.

Colombia Politics: Leftist presidential hopeful Iván Cepeda told Reuters he will accept the June 21 runoff result even if it goes against him, but warned he will urge peaceful protests if rights aren’t upheld, as the contest pits him against right-wing lawyer Abelardo de la Espriella. Petro in the spotlight: A separate move proposes suspending President Gustavo Petro until June 21 over alleged electoral interference, putting his renewable-energy-backed crypto plans and broader agenda in limbo. Business & Investment: Tecnoglass declared a Q2 2026 dividend of $0.15 per share, payable July 31, as the Barranquilla-based glass and windows maker continues to serve North America. Sports & Economy: With the 2026 World Cup starting June 11, Colombia’s football economy buzz is rising too—Billboard highlighted Bogotá’s Movistar Arena and Medellín’s Atanasio Girardot Stadium, while Shakira’s tour performance featured in its global Boxscore report. Security & Human Impact: Colombia’s foreign ministry reported 173 deaths and 670 missing tied to the Russia-Ukraine war, underscoring the country’s role as a source of foreign fighters.

Colombia’s Cattle Traceability Law: Colombia has enacted a landmark rule requiring cattle tracking and deforestation-free beef supply chains, aiming to close loopholes that let ranching tied to forest loss enter legitimate markets. Runoff Election Tensions: Abelardo de la Espriella urged prosecutors to investigate alleged voter coercion by illegal armed groups in municipalities where Iván Cepeda won large shares, as Colombia heads toward the June 21 runoff. Campaign Branding Setback: A Bogotá court ordered De la Espriella’s campaign to stop using patriotic and football-related symbols, including the national team jersey and slogans, after a tutela action raised equality and nondiscrimination concerns. Drug Policy and Security: The U.S. DOJ filed suit to revoke citizenship of Manuel Rocha, a Colombian-born diplomat exposed as a Cuban espionage asset, while Colombia-focused security coverage highlighted the growing use of FPV drone tactics by armed groups. World Cup Watch: With the 2026 tournament starting June 11 across the U.S., Canada and Mexico, Colombia is framed as a “dark horse,” even as U.S. travel restrictions complicate fan access for some countries.

Colombia Runoff Politics: Iván Cepeda heads into Colombia’s presidential runoff with a tight, cash-strapped campaign, saying he needs at least 2.5 million more votes and betting on a late push in Bogotá and Barranquilla. Security & Peace Talks: FARC dissidents led by “Ivan Mordisco” extended a unilateral ceasefire for the runoff, setting a June 10–13 pause in offensive actions. US Citizenship Crackdown: The U.S. DOJ moved to denaturalize 17 people, including South Florida cases tied to fraud and sexual abuse allegations, signaling a tougher stance on citizenship applications. Payments & Retail Growth: dLocal expanded BNPL Fuse across Latin America and other emerging markets, adding eligibility screening and refund orchestration aimed at boosting merchant approvals and conversion. Data Infrastructure & Jobs: Aligned Data Centers earned Great Place To Work certification again in the U.S., Brazil, and Colombia, highlighting workforce development for digital infrastructure. Mining Update: Orosur reported new gold mineralized zones at its APTA prospect in Colombia’s Mid-Cauca belt, with follow-up areas identified after drilling results. World Cup Business Buzz: Hard Rock launched its “All Teams. One Place.” campaign with Messi ahead of the 2026 tournament, while Colombia is framed as a “dark horse” in Group K previews.

Colombia Politics: Progressive presidential candidate Iván Cepeda says he has reports of a “fabricated controlled self-sabotage” plot by rival Abelardo De la Espriella to influence the June 21 runoff, and says he will send the information to Colombia’s Attorney General and the National Protection Unit. Justice & Security: Colombia’s Supreme Court upheld the 28-year sentence of Santiago Uribe Vélez, brother of former President Álvaro Uribe, for conspiracy to commit murder tied to the paramilitary “Twelve Apostles” death squad. Trade & Investment: Italy’s agri-food firms are set to take part in Bogotá’s Alimentec / Anuga Select Colombia 2026, with Italian imports into Colombia rising 24% in 2025. Business Real Estate: Bogotá is ranked Latin America’s most cost-competitive city for premium office fit-outs, while Buenos Aires is among the priciest. Retail & Consumer Goods: Colombian chocolate brand Fatso expands further in the UK, adding Whole Foods Market listings. Global Policy Watch: The U.S. DOJ moves to strip citizenship from 17 people accused of fraud or hiding serious crimes during naturalization.