Hyundai’s Colombian importer has been accused of supporting an illegal paramilitary army. The accusation was made during the trial of former paramilitary leader Salvatore Mancuso, according to local reports.
The importer has been several times commended over the last 15 years by the Korean automaker for its strong performance.
Mancuso reportedly claimed Hyundai supported his army by donating four vehicles per year. He also claimed that money was extorted from local brewing and soft drink firms.
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Hyundai de Colombia declined to comment when telephoned by just-auto on Friday morning.
Internal strife in Colombia has hit automakers before. Hyundai de Colombia’s general manager was once kidnapped by guerrillas and Sofasa-Toyota has been a robbery victim with car transporters attacked and the vehicles on them stolen and driven off.
Juan Vargas
