Colombian soldiers who stumbled on a $9 million cache of rebel money in a remote jungle went on a spending and partying frenzy, buying cars, televisions and visiting prostitutes before disappearing, authorities said Wednesday. Colombians were riveted by the tale of the two companies of soldiers who stumbled across the rebel money last month and were divided over whether the troops should be punished. The soldiers came across the cache of U.S. dollars and Colombian pesos in Colombia’s cocaine-producing region. Authorities have arrested 45 of the soldiers, including the three officers, and are carrying out a nationwide manhunt for 102 others. The men face charges of misappropriation of funds and could face up to 22 years in prison each if convicted. “We are making a big effort in the entire country, and all of the garrisons, in order to capture these individuals,” Armed Forces Commander Gen. Jorge Mora told reporters. Soldiers divvied up the money according to rank, and many of the soldiers emptied their field packs to make room for the cash. They never reported the discovery, and were found out only after they bought new cars, televisions and refrigerators with cash and partied for days. Full Story
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