Colombia’s Attorney General’s Office on Tuesday requested the detention of Nicolás Petro Burgos, the eldest son of President Gustavo Petro, as part of an ongoing criminal case involving alleged corruption linked to irregular public contracting in 2021.

The request was presented before a judge during a virtual hearing, where the defense is expected to argue its position before a ruling is issued.

Prosecutor Lucy Marcela Laborde argued that Petro Burgos should be held in a prison facility due to his “relevant status” and “personal and social influence.”

She warned that the accused allegedly obtained privileged and classified information related to the case, which could interfere with the investigation.

Nicolás Petro, 39, has been formally charged with improper interest in public contracts, influence peddling, forgery of public documents, and embezzlement.

The alleged offenses date back to his time as a deputy in the Atlántico Department Assembly, in northern Colombia. Petro Burgos has denied all charges.

The case carries significant political weight, as it directly involves the family of President Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing leader. While the president has repeatedly stated that he respects judicial independence, he has also claimed there are undue pressures within the legal proceedings against his son.

According to prosecutors, Petro Burgos used his political influence to secure contracts and falsified private documents later used in mandatory asset and income declarations required of public officials.

This case adds to a separate trial he faces for alleged money laundering and illicit enrichment, for which he was previously detained and later released.

Petro Burgos maintains his innocence in both cases and has accused prosecutors of politicizing his legal situation.