Former Intelligence Official Imprisoned for Alleged Academic and Financial Fraud at UNAD

A Bogotá municipal criminal judge has ordered the imprisonment of Carlos Andrés Oyola Tovar, a former official of the National Intelligence Directorate (DNI), following allegations of a fraudulent scheme at the National Open and Distance University (UNAD). The arrest took place in Neiva on Friday, November 6, 2026. The Office of the Attorney General has charged Carlos Andrés Oyola Tovar with conspiracy to commit a crime, aggravated abusive access to a computer system, aggravated computer damage, obtaining a false public document, and procedural fraud. During the hearing, Carlos Andrés Oyola Tovar did not accept the charges.

Details of the Alleged Fraud

The investigation into the activities at UNAD suggests that the fraudulent actions occurred between 2017 and 2023. According to the Office of the Attorney General, Carlos Andrés Oyola Tovar acted as an intermediary between students and university insiders to facilitate these illegal activities. The investigation identified 41 discrepancies between the grades assigned by teachers on the virtual campus and those recorded in administrative databases.

The alleged scheme allowed Carlos Andrés Oyola Tovar to obtain degrees as a systems engineer and a specialist in public management. While some reports indicate his own academic records were modified 46 times, other reports suggest there were 41 discrepancies found in an audit. Additionally, the investigation identified irregular tuition payments totaling approximately $35 million pesos. Officials stated that Carlos Andrés Oyola Tovar attempted to obtain a master's degree through the same mechanism but was stopped by the university.

Legal Context and Investigation Scope

The judge determined that detention was necessary due to flight risk and the status of the defendant as a public servant. The Office of the Attorney General has also prosecuted seven other individuals in connection with this case, including former UNAD officials. This investigation is part of a broader scrutiny of the National Intelligence Directorate (DNI), which includes a 26-page report regarding irregularities during the administration of Gustavo Petro. This report mentions plans to install microphones and GPS in the security details of former presidents and vice presidents.

Carlos Andrés Oyola Tovar joined the National Intelligence Directorate in February 2024. The legal proceedings regarding the alleged academic fraud and the broader investigation into the DNI continue as authorities work to address the identified irregularities.

Glossary

• Bogotá — Bogotá is the capital and largest city of Colombia. It serves as the main political, economic, administrative, industrial, cultural, aeronautical, technological, scientific, medical, educational and airport center of the country and northern South America.
• Neiva — Neiva was a province that was segregated from the Gobernación de Popayán in 1610. It was formally a province of the territory and part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada.
• Office of the Attorney General — The Office of the Attorney General of the Nation is an office headed by the Attorney General. Its responsibility is to investigate facts that may constitute offenses and to press criminal charges.