A new chapter opened in the controversial case of the MI-17, after in the last few hours a guarantee control judge ordered the immediate release of Colonel Ferney Rincón and two other people who had been linked to the investigation for alleged irregularities in maintenance contracts for these military aircraft.

The decision generated reactions in the defense sector and once again put one of the most questioned contracting processes in recent years under the microscope.

According to what was stated during the hearing, the judicial office considered that the Prosecutor’s Office did not present sufficient evidence to allow the imposition of a prison security measure against the three investigated.

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In the judge’s opinion, the material collected so far did not clearly demonstrate the need to keep them deprived of their liberty while the criminal process related to MI-17 progresses.

Colonel Rincón had been accused of his alleged participation in the signing and execution of a contract aimed at the maintenance of Russian-made helicopters that are part of the National Army’s air fleet. These aircraft are key for troop transport operations, logistical support and missions in difficult-to-access and high-risk areas.

During the judicial proceedings, the defense of those involved insisted that their actions were in accordance with internal protocols and current regulations on public procurement and military procedures. Furthermore, they reiterated that there was no intention to cause detriment to public assets or to irregularly benefit third parties.

However, the freedom granted does not mean the closure of the process. The three involved remain formally linked to the investigation and must continue to appear before the judicial authorities as new stages of the case are completed. In fact, it emerged that the Prosecutor’s Office would be evaluating the possibility of filing an appeal to try to reverse the decision.

The MI-17 file investigates alleged administrative failures and possible cost overruns in contracts intended to guarantee the operation of these aircraft, considered strategic for national security. As the process progresses, the case continues to generate debate about controls in military contracting and the management of public resources in the defense sector.

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