Former Consul Denies Involvement in Ghost Consulate Scandal in Mexico
Colombia cancels a non-operational Tijuana consulate that cost taxpayers over 153,000 dollars.
1Ghost Consulate Investigation
The Colombian government officially canceled the Tijuana consulate after it failed to open for public service. Despite remaining non-operational, the state paid over 153,000 dollars in salaries to a provisional consul and committed to rental expenses. Authorities have now referred the case to the Prosecutor and Procurator General for formal investigation.
2Administrative Origins
The office was established under Decree 1405, signed on November 22, 2024, by then-Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo. This mandate also included plans for new consulates in Monterrey and Tuxtla Gutiérrez. Two years later, the Tijuana site remained closed, forcing 1,500 local Colombian residents to seek assistance 2,700 kilometers away in Mexico City.
3Andrés Hernández's Defense
Former Mexico City Consul Andrés Hernández publicly denied any involvement in the creation of the Tijuana office. He claimed he actively opposed the project, arguing that the Mexico City consulate already provided sufficient coverage for 20 of Mexico's 32 states. He stated he refused to manage funds allocated for these new offices.
4Refusal of Funds
Hernández asserted that he rejected receiving resources for the new consulates into his office's accounts, requesting their return to the Foreign Ministry. He alleged that the Colombian Embassy in Mexico handled the opening process directly. He refused to sign documents for decisions he did not support, leading to the eventual return of funds.
5Allegations of Misconduct
The former diplomat claimed that embassy staff, specifically secretaries of foreign relations, presented themselves as consuls, which he described as an unauthorized expansion of their duties. He also alleged that commission payments were made to career officials involved in the process, though he provided no further details regarding the recipients of these specific payments.
6Consular Coverage Claims
Defending his tenure, Hernández highlighted a mobile consulate mission he led in Tijuana in March 2025. He noted that his team successfully processed documents and engaged with local authorities despite difficult weather conditions. He maintained that his existing jurisdiction was capable of addressing the needs of the Colombian community throughout the region.
7Legal and Institutional Scrutiny
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Omar Bula Escobar, transferred the case to the Prosecutor General and the Procurator General on August 27, 2026. The investigation aims to clarify the circumstances surrounding the hiring processes, the payments made, and the outstanding financial obligations left behind following the abrupt cancellation of the office.
8Current Status of Inquiry
The scandal highlights significant administrative failures in foreign service management. While the government has moved to shutter the non-operational site, the lack of response from the Embassy or the Foreign Ministry regarding Hernández's specific allegations leaves many questions unanswered. Future audits will determine if further disciplinary actions are necessary for those involved.
Original article: Infobae — Former Consul Denies Involvement in Ghost Consulate Scandal in Mexico