Colombian authorities launch investigation into Ecopetrol's former campaign manager, Petro.

Ricardo Roa was informed formally of an investigation into alleged irregularities in the?reporting of expenses during his tenure as Gustavo Petro’s campaign manager. This information came from the Attorney General's Office on Monday. Roa left his post in December.

The formal notification is a first step in the process before charges are brought.

Key Context

* Prosecutors claim that the campaign expenditures of President Gustavo Petro 2022 exceeded legal limits by 1,66 billion pesos (444,000 dollars).

The Attorney General's Office said that the excess?spending included?hotel press conference, transportation, logistics and advertising, as well as union contributions.

* Roa refused to accept responsibility for any of the allegations made in court on Monday.

* If convicted, Roa faces four to eight years of prison, a disqualification from public office, and a fine.

* Roa is also a subject of a separate investigation regarding alleged influence peddling in the purchase of an apartment at a price below "market value" from someone who was later awarded an Ecopetrol contract.

* Juan Carlos Hurtado is the executive vice president of hydrocarbons and will serve as the?acting director of?Ecopetrol while Roa is on leave.

(source: Reuters)