Interpol captured the wife of David Murcia Guzmán yesterday in Uruguay; she is accused of a multi-million peso scam involving thousands of Colombians and money laundering through non-existent companies, reported the intelligence agency.

The arrest of 25 year-old Joanne Ivette León Bermúdez, authorities confirmed, took place in Montevideo where she sought refuge after leaving Panama, country where her husband was arrested in late November.

Attorney General, Mario Iguarán, has said that the investigation against David Murcia could be suspended if Murcia provides information about those involved with DMG’s money laundering activities. Inspector General, Edgardo José Maya Villazón however, says that this outcome is impossible.

It would fall into the hands of the Supreme Court to investigate cases of alleged bribery towards some Congressmen to benefit, within the approval of the financial reform, DMG Holding Group’s interests, company owned by the now infamous David Murcia Guzmán.

The owner of the DMG group, David Murcia, made his first appearance before authorities yesterday; he faces charges of money laundering, illegal enrichment, bribery and illegal acquisition of funds. President Uribe insists that there is illegal money behind pyramid schemes.

Murcia was arrested in Panama on Wednesday.

The National Government declared a State of Emergency in hopes of facing the crisis generated by pyramid schemes discovered all over the country just days ago. 59 offices of the company DMG were shut down on Monday in 20 departments.

President Uribe said the economy must remain shielded from speculative phenomenon, such as pyramids, in order to avoid “the ruin of millions of Colombians”.

As Congress looks for a way to strengthen legislature in the capture and prosecution of individuals and companies who take money illegally, thousands of people from all over the country wait anxiously for answers after losing, in many cases, their life savings.

President Alvaro Uribe said he regrets not having gone “into the Financial Superintendence to demand early intervention” in pyramid schemes, and possibly avoid the financial catastrophe that today is affecting more than 500,000 families who signed over their savings to unauthorized firms.

“If I were Superintendent, I would have found a way to act quickly”, Uribe said. Colombian Attorney General, Mario Iguarán, said there is still not enough proof to bring David Murcia, owner of DMG, into custody; DMG is one of the most questioned companies in this matter.

Yesterday the Police had already confiscated 58 billion pesos from the pyramids seized.