COLOMBIA’S police chief quit on Wednesday amid allegations of corruption and a prostitution ring involving young cadets.

General Rodolfo Palomino’s resignation came a day after Colombia’s inspector general opened a probe into the claims, which surfaced in the media late last year.

Gen Palomino declared his innocence at a press conference, saying the charges are part of a campaign to smear him.
But he said he was resigning to avoid tarnishing the force’s reputation.

“Human beings are never above the institutions they serve,” said Gen Palomino, surrounded by his family and senior officers.

The accusations range from the purchase of a luxury home way beyond his salary to illegally tapping reporters’ phones.

But the media has focused on his role in a male prostitution ring that forced cadets to sleep with high-ranking officers and members of congress.