Ecopetrol alerts about security violations and possible leak

By Nelson Bocanegra

BOGOTA, June 4 (Reuters) - Colombia's Ecopetrol said on Wednesday that the company has found 29 cases that could have violated security protocols and leaked confidential internal information, as its CEO said he had received homophobic death threats.

The possible leaks were found during a digital analysis procedure within a cybersecurity protocol started in May, according to the state-run energy company.

"The findings allow us to preliminarily infer that these are internal leaks that violate the code of ethics and corporate governance and the law," Chief Executive Ricardo Roa said in a video shared by Ecopetrol.

Roa became Ecopetrol's head in April 2023 and is currently facing a series of scandals and investigations that include a review by the National Electoral Council (CNE) for the alleged violation of financing limits during President Gustavo Petro's presidential campaign in 2022.

The CEO, who is openly gay, also said he has been targeted due to his sexual orientation.

"I have been subject to attacks, death threats and unfounded insults and even harassment," he said in a video pointing out that the attacks have also affected his family.

Later on Wednesday, Ecopetrol said the Procurator General's Office visited its headquarters over a $5.8 million legal contract with U.S. firm Covington & Burling, reportedly signed without board approval.

Ecopetrol said in a statement that it had provided all requested documentation and information regarding the contract.

The company has faced allegations of mismanagement and political interference by President Gustavo Petro, weighing on investor confidence contributing to a sharp drop in its share price.

On Tuesday, Petro reiterated his call for Ecopetrol to divest its U.S. fracking operations.