The unfolding drama surrounding the Supermercados Líder chain in Bogotá is currently captivating public attention, as heirs of the company are being linked to a series of alleged financial irregularities and a high-profile murder case. The investigation is intensifying, with suspicions of money laundering and the creation of shell corporations looming large over the Romero family, who control the El Arrozal conglomerate, to which Supermercados Líder belongs.

A Family Feud Turns Deadly

According to reporting by Semana, the death of Roberto Franco Charry, an auditor and businessman, has unveiled a fierce internal conflict among the heirs of Supermercados Líder. Jonathan Romero is allegedly spearheading a scheme to consolidate control over the company and manipulate its resources, as stated by sources close to the Romero family (Semana, n.d.). This power struggle has cast a dark shadow over the company's operations and raised serious questions about its financial integrity.

The Shady Real Estate Deal: ‘El Líder de los Cerezos’

One of the most contentious issues is the real estate project known as ‘El Líder de los Cerezos,’ an apartment complex in Kennedy being marketed under the Supermercados Líder brand. While it is being promoted as a lucrative investment opportunity, the land on which it's being built is still embroiled in an unresolved inheritance dispute. This is currently generating significant concerns about the legality of the sales.

Concerns Beyond Land Ownership

The worries extend beyond just the land's title. Semana (n.d.) cites sources close to the Romero family who claim that the brothers in control of El Arrozal are allegedly using the organization as a front for moving questionable business deals without routing them through the formal financial system. The possibility of money laundering is a key hypothesis being explored in the ongoing investigation.

The Murder of Roberto Franco Charry: A Ticking Time Bomb

The murder of Roberto Franco Charry on February 21, 2024, in Parque de la 93, Bogotá, is adding another layer of complexity to the case. The execution, carried out by hired killers, suggests a possible settling of scores related to the corporate dispute. Noticias RCN reports that the individuals involved in the assassination were paid 30 million pesos to carry out the hit. The question being asked is: was it business or something more personal?

Stalled Investigation: Obstacles and Allegations

The judicial process has faced numerous hurdles, hindering the investigation's progress. Semana (n.d.) reports statements from witnesses who assert that the inquiry has been hampered by «dark forces within» allegedly financed by Jonathan and Giovanny to suppress the truth. These allegations have ignited concerns about potential obstruction of justice and the influence of powerful individuals.

The Missing Report: Financial Mismanagement Unveiled

The report that Franco Charry was about to deliver on the day of his assassination allegedly contained vital information about the company's financial health. Semana (n.d.) reveals that the document, titled «Acompañamiento Gestión Financiera y Administrativa El Arrozal y CÍA. S. C. A.,» was scheduled for distribution on February 21, 2024. In it, Franco detailed how the company was allegedly being «systematically looted,» with severe deficiencies in administrative management, lack of control over resources, and the absence of a daily cash flow analysis.

A Company in Crisis: Sales Plummet and Drastic Measures Proposed

One of the most critical points in the report is the financial analysis, which highlights the company's financial collapse. A sales comparison between 2023 and 2024 shows declines ranging from 34 to 191% across the 17 stores in Bogotá. Semana notes that Franco recommended drastic measures to save the company, including selling shares, seeking a strategic partner, and implementing security protocols to protect the company's finances.

  • Selling shares
  • Seeking a strategic partner
  • Implementing robust security protocols to safeguard finances

As the investigation continues, the pressure is mounting on those allegedly involved. The revelations regarding the company's dealings and legal maneuvers have brought increased scrutiny to the Romero family and their associates. The public is now closely watching to see how this complex and potentially explosive case will unfold, and what consequences will emerge for those involved.

«The ongoing legal battles and accusations are currently raising serious questions about the future of Supermercados Líder and the integrity of its leadership.»