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Colombia’s New Fight Against Foreigners’ Sexual Child Exploitation

Medellín is strengthening its direct fight against child abuse and the commercial exploitation of minors through coordinated actions on the ground and in cooperation with international agencies. Mayor Federico Gutiérrez Zuluaga began a work agenda in the United States last Friday, June 6, through Monday, June 9, to hold high-level meetings with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the Department of State, and the FBI to advance an international offensive against the crimes of sexual and commercial exploitation of girls, boys, and adolescents (ESCNNA).

"We have just held a high-level meeting in the city of Miami with the HSI Agency, with whom we are allied in an articulated manner to fight against the sexual exploitation of girls, boys, and adolescents. The goal is to eradicate this deplorable crime. The results are already being seen," said Mayor Federico Gutiérrez at the end of the meeting.

How Was the Agenda Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children?

One of the main topics discussed on the work agenda was the preparation of the judicial hearings to be held against U.S. citizens Stefan Correa and Hamzeh Anaswed, who were captured in Miami for their alleged participation in cases of sexual exploitation of minors in Medellín. The investigation is being carried out in coordination between both countries, and their trials are scheduled for the end of June, with life imprisonment expected to be requested.

“Let's keep working together; we are strengthening this effort. Medellín, as a city, is committed to this fight, and we invite more cities in Colombia, Latin America, and around the world to join us. More results and more arrests are coming, according to investigations in both the United States and Colombia; we will continue working for the well-being of our children,” added the mayor.

What Were the Conclusions of This Work Agenda Against the Sexual Exploitation of Children?

Among the cooperation commitments agreed upon were the strengthening of three lines of work:

The prevention of ESCNNA (Sexual Commercial Exploitation of Children and Adolescents) in the city.
The investigation of crimes of this nature against minors.
Support for the prosecution of offenders to ensure effective sanctions, both in Colombia and the United States.

Finally, Mayor Gutiérrez stated that joint efforts continue under the Angel Watch strategy, which helps to prevent entry into Medellín via José María Córdova Airport by foreigners with a history of violence against women or pedophilia. Since 2024 and so far in 2025, 47 arrests have been made for ESCNNA, 314 for sexual offenses, and 31 arrests of foreigners for these crimes. In addition, 82 tourist accommodations have been inspected, and 78 temporary suspensions of economic activity have been applied due to irregularities associated with child exploitation.

Finally, the Mayor's Office of Medellín reiterates the call to citizens to report any situation that violates the integrity of minors, emphasizing that the protection of children is an unyielding commitment and that in Medellín, there can be no place for impunity.

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The Bottom Line: Colombia’s New Fight Against Foreigners’ Sexual Child Exploitation

Colombia is taking significant strides to combat the sexual exploitation of children, particularly by foreign nationals, through enhanced international collaboration and stricter migration measures. With Medellín leading the charge, recent initiatives focus on the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of offenders—underscoring a commitment to protecting minors and fostering a safer environment for all. Citizens are encouraged to report any violations, reinforcing a united front against impunity in the fight for children’s rights.