Nitron Group LLC, the sole entity that could potentially acquire Monómeros Colombo-Venezolanos (according to its promoters), initially executed a strategy of “hostile takeover” against the company since 2021 through predatory loans, infiltration of management, and connections with opposition figures. Investigations reveal financial opacity, alleged ties to drug trafficking, and key political beneficiaries, including opposition leader Leopoldo López.
Various investigations conducted by political bodies (both governmental and oppositional) and specialized media like the Data Journalism Platform “LaTabla” support these claims.
On July 24, 2025, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro confirmed in an interview with teleSUR the signing of an agreement to sell Monómeros to the Colombian state, thus dismissing any sale to Nitron Group. This profile is published in this context.
Key Elements of the Plot
Political Connections and Conflicts of Interest
Jorge Pacheco, a Colombian-Venezuelan engineer, acted as a dual operator: advisor to Voluntad Popular (Leopoldo López’s party) and architect of Nitrofert, a Nitron Group subsidiary created to compete with Monómeros. In 2018, he facilitated the asset-freezing request for Monómeros signed by Juan Guaidó in Colombia while designing Nitrofert’s structure.
Mass Migration of Executives: Under the presidency of Carmen Elisa Hernández (appointed by Guaidó), over 30 “high-performing” employees left Monómeros to join Nitrofert with salaries exceeding $400,000 annually, undermining strategic technical operations.
Monopoly Without Infrastructure
Nitron controls 85% of fertilizer inputs in Latin America, but its model relies on commercial dominance rather than production. Nitrofert—linked to opaque companies like Abomex UK Limited and Hughes Americas Investments—captured 24% of the Colombian market in just two years without owning industrial plants, relying solely on logistical networks and aggressive marketing.
“Loan to Own” Strategy: Nitron financially suffocated Monómeros through predatory lending, aiming to convert debts into equity during insolvency processes. Meanwhile, it displaced other suppliers to establish itself as the main creditor.
Corporate Opacity and Straw Men
Although officially based in Greenwich, CT (USA), Nitron operates through a network of shell companies. In Colombia, Nitrofert is registered under Maria Carolina Claves and UK-based entities, all represented by the law firm Gómez Pinzón, with no history in agrochemicals.
Its ownership structure remains hidden: it does not present public financial reports despite handling global cash flows of USD $2 billion annually.
Coincidences with Drug Trafficking
Warehouses in “hot” zones: Nitron uses logistics centers in Santa Marta and Buenaventura (Colombia), identified by authorities as areas of customs shadow. In these regions, shipments of cocaine camouflaged in urea bags have been seized.
Geopolitical Implications
Support from Uribism: Pacheco was part of the Intellectual Operations Command of former President Iván Duque. Officials like Grace Noguera and Víctor Muñoz pressured for Monómeros to adopt Nitron as its sole supplier.
Complicit Superintendencies: The Colombian Superintendency based its “rescue” intervention of Monómeros (2021) on false cash flow reports provided by William Otero, former financial manager of Monómeros linked to Nitrofert.
Conclusion: Corporate Coup Thwarted
Nitron’s bid for Monómeros—which is currently on hold—aimed to legitimize a hostile takeover orchestrated over several years. Venezuela has reactivated legal actions against Pacheco and Hernández for usurpation of functions and property damage, while the DEA investigates money laundering through overpricing of fertilizers.
▼ Additional Context
Monómeros met 46% of Colombia’s fertilizer demand. Its bankruptcy would have handed Nitron monopolistic control over a strategic sector.
Nitron Group LLC was founded in 1982, employs 200 people, and generates USD $2 billion annually.