Operating under the moniker "Popeye," Velásquez launched his "Repentant Popeye" channel following his 2014 release from a 23-year prison sentence. He had previously risen through the Medellín Cartel's ranks after beginning as an enforcer at age 17, ultimately assassinating rivals, journalists, and government officials. Beyond these operations, he was also responsible for killing his own girlfriend, Wendy Chavarriaga Gil, after cartel leader Pablo Escobar suspected her of serving as an informant.
Key points
Velásquez capitalized on his violent history by building a social media following focused…: Velásquez capitalized on his violent history by building a social media following focused on his past cartel operations.
The Medellín Cartel extensively targeted high-ranking politicians, including presidential…: The Medellín Cartel extensively targeted high-ranking politicians, including presidential contenders and mayoral candidates, to protect its interests.
Decades of cartel violence concluded with long prison sentences for key operatives, leadi…: Decades of cartel violence concluded with long prison sentences for key operatives, leading to controversial post-release public activities.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
He helped coordinate 3,000 murders, served 23 years in prison and came back only to become one of
Colombia's most famous YouTubers. Jhon Jairo Velásquez was one of Pablo Escobar's deadliest hitmen. Nicknamed 'Popeye' his victims included prominent politicians, underworld rivals and even an airplane full of innocent civilians.
During the 1980s and early 90s, Velásquez murdered more than 250 people and arranged 3,000 additional killings for Escobar and the Medellín Cartel. He was arrested in 1992 and spent nearly 23 years behind bars for murder, drug trafficking and terrorism, among other crimes. After his release in 2014, he began a career completely unexpected for a criminal, he became a
YouTube star. He began a channel titled 'Repentant Popeye' and criticised the Colombian government while recounting some of his most infamous hits, according to a report by All That's Interesting.
The boy who dreamed of joining the police
Jhon Jairo Velásquez was born in Yarumal, Colombia in 1962. He dropped out of high school to join the Colombian Navy, where he earned the nickname “Popeye” due to his appearance. However,…
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