TOKYO —

The regulatory body Coljuegos has levied a significant financial penalty of $116 million Colombian pesos and a five-year prohibition on operating games of chance against prominent content creator Yeferson Cossio. The sanctions stem from Cossio’s involvement in an unauthorized promotional game disseminated through his Instagram account. This ruling, announced on August 19th, represents a major financial and operational blow to the influencer, although he retains the right to appeal the decision. Concurrently, Cossio is facing a separate investigation by the National Police concerning a video that captured him handling a police-issued firearm.

Background of the Promotional Game Sanction

The proceedings initiated by Coljuegos were triggered by a formal complaint regarding promotional activities being conducted via social media platforms without the necessary regulatory approvals. Following an in-depth investigation, Coljuegos determined that Yeferson Cossio was directly linked to the operation of a promotional game advertised on his Instagram profile, a venture that lacked the requisite authorization from the regulatory authority.

The administrative process followed established legal protocols, encompassing thorough investigation, the formulation of charges against Cossio, the provision of his defense (descargos), and the submission of closing arguments (alegatos de conclusión). During this extensive review, Coljuegos confirmed that Cossio did not possess a valid permit to conduct games of chance, particularly in the promotional modality. This lack of authorization formed the crux of the finding, leading to the declaration of his responsibility for the illegal operation of such games.

In Colombia, the realm of games of chance is strictly regulated by the state, forming part of a monopolistic framework. The revenue generated from these activities is earmarked to contribute to the funding of public health services, underscoring the importance of regulatory compliance. Operating unauthorized games of chance not only deprives public funds but also circumvents consumer protection measures and can potentially lead to illicit financial activities.

Financial and Operational Repercussions

The imposed fine of $116 million Colombian pesos is equivalent to 100 minimum legal monthly wages for 2023. In that year, the minimum monthly wage in Colombia was set at $1,160,000 COP, thus establishing the substantial monetary penalty. Beyond the immediate financial impact, the sanction includes a five-year ban from participating in or operating any games of luck and chance. This prohibition will commence once the administrative act becomes definitive, meaning it can no longer be appealed.

The decision, while impactful, is not yet final. Cossio has a defined period to lodge appeals, specifically the "recurso de reposición" (request for reconsideration) and the "recurso de apelación" (appeal). These legal avenues are provided for under Law 1437 of 2011, the Administrative Procedure and Administrative Contentious-Administrative Procedure Code. Therefore, the immediate collection of the fine and the enforcement of the ban are contingent upon the final resolution of these appeals. Should the administrative act be upheld, the case file will be transferred to the Coactive Collection Management department to initiate the process of recovering the owed funds.

A Pattern of Regulatory Scrutiny

This is not the first instance where Yeferson Cossio has faced scrutiny from Coljuegos or related entities concerning his online activities. In 2024, Coljuegos initiated actions against several social media profiles implicated in the promotion and operation of unauthorized games of chance. At that time, the entity formally requested the blocking of accounts on various digital platforms, including one associated with Cossio.

Coljuegos has consistently maintained a vigilant stance on online activities that promote or facilitate games of luck and chance, particularly when social media platforms are utilized to advertise raffles, promotional games, or betting platforms that lack the necessary governmental permits. The organization’s mandate is to ensure fair play, protect consumers, and safeguard the integrity of the revenue streams intended for public services.

Related Legal Entanglements: The "Método Cossio" Case

Adding to the complex web of legal challenges, Yeferson Cossio’s business interests have also come under the purview of other regulatory bodies. In 2025, the Superintendence of Industry and Commerce (SIC) imposed a significant penalty of $813 million Colombian pesos on Grupo Cossio S.A.S., a company associated with the influencer. This sanction was issued due to findings of misleading advertising related to the online course titled "Método Cossio."

While distinct from the Coljuegos case, the SIC’s action highlights a pattern of regulatory oversight concerning Cossio’s commercial ventures. The "Método Cossio" case involved allegations of misrepresentation in the marketing of an educational product, demonstrating that scrutiny extends beyond gambling-related activities to encompass broader consumer protection issues within his business empire. The SIC’s ruling focused on deceptive marketing practices, emphasizing the importance of transparency and truthfulness in commercial advertisements.

Investigation into Police Firearm Video

The recent sanction from Coljuegos is occurring amidst another unfolding controversy involving Yeferson Cossio. A video circulating on social media platforms has drawn significant attention and led to an investigation by the National Police. The footage, reportedly recorded during Cossio’s visit to Quibdó, Chocó, shows the influencer handling a firearm belonging to the National Police.

The incident took place during a trip to the Chocó region, where Cossio was reportedly visiting to provide support to individuals affected by an earthquake. In the widely shared video, Cossio is seen holding the police-issued weapon before handing it back to a uniformed officer. Another police officer is later seen posing for a photograph with the influencer at the same location.

The visual evidence sparked considerable debate and criticism on social media platforms, prompting the National Police to initiate an official inquiry into the matter. The Strategic Communications Office of the Chocó Police Department confirmed that they were aware of the video and had commenced verification processes. The statement, issued around August 17th, 2026 (as indicated in the original text, though the article date is August 19th), stated that the institution was "verifying the corresponding events." As of the latest reports, the official information provided by the institution confirms the initiation of these verifications, suggesting a formal review of the circumstances surrounding Cossio’s interaction with the police firearm. Handling official equipment, especially firearms, by unauthorized civilians is a matter of serious concern for law enforcement agencies, necessitating a thorough examination of protocol adherence and potential security breaches.

Coljuegos’ Continued Digital Oversight

The case of Yeferson Cossio serves as a prominent example of Coljuegos’ ongoing efforts to regulate and control the promotion of games of luck and chance through digital channels. The entity has actively issued requests for the blocking of social media profiles that are identified as engaging in the promotion or operation of such activities without proper authorization.

The recent ruling against Cossio underscores the agency’s commitment to enforcing regulations within the online space. The dual sanctions – a substantial financial penalty and a lengthy operational ban – send a clear message to influencers and businesses that operate within the digital landscape. While Cossio has recourse to appeal, the current decision signifies a significant legal and financial challenge. The final outcome will depend on the success of his appeals and the subsequent confirmation of the administrative act, at which point enforcement measures, including debt collection and the implementation of the ban, will be pursued. Coljuegos’ persistent surveillance of digital platforms aims to ensure a level playing field, protect public funds, and uphold the integrity of the regulated gambling sector in Colombia.