You’ve probably seen the clip. A woman rappels down a red rope from a third-story window, hits the pavement with a thud, gets up like it’s a Tuesday morning, and hops onto the back of a waiting motorcycle. It looks like a low-budget action movie. But for Aida Victoria Merlano, that video wasn't entertainment. It was the moment her life pivoted from being the daughter of a politician to becoming one of the most controversial influencers in Latin America.
People are still searching for the "Aida Victoria Merlano video" because it's the smoking gun in a legal drama that has dragged on for years. As of early 2026, the fallout is still hitting the fan. This isn't just about a viral moment; it's about a 13-year prison sentence, a Supreme Court appeal, and a woman who managed to turn a family scandal into a massive digital empire.
The Dental Office Escape: Breaking Down the Footage
Let’s get into the weeds of that 2019 security footage. The scene was a dental office in northern Bogotá. Aida Merlano Rebolledo, a former congresswoman convicted of voter fraud, was there for a "procedure." In the room with her were her daughter, Aida Victoria, and her then-17-year-old son.
The video everyone keeps talking about shows the exterior. You see the red rope drop. You see the mother slide down. What you don't see in that specific clip is the chaos inside. Prosecutors argued that the kids weren't just visiting; they were distractions. They alleged that the backpack the son brought in contained the rope and the gloves used for the descent.
Why the interior video mattered
During the trial, the "Aida Victoria Merlano video" from inside the office became the centerpiece of the prosecution's case. It showed Aida Victoria talking to her mother and even leaning over the desk. The state claimed she was actively coordinating the timing with the getaway driver, who was disguised as a delivery worker for the app Rappi.
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Aida Victoria’s defense? She knew her mom was up to something, but she didn't participate. She basically said, "Look, if your mom is crazy enough to jump out a window, what are you supposed to do?" It’s a bold defense, honestly. But the courts didn't buy the "innocent bystander" routine.
The 13-Year Sentence and the 2026 Legal Status
The legal situation is kinda messy right now. Initially, she was sentenced to seven years of house arrest. Most people thought she'd just ride that out while posting Instagram stories. Then, in March 2024, a Bogotá Superior Court judge dropped a hammer: they upped the sentence to 13 years and 10 months and revoked her house arrest.
The charges were heavy:
- Accomplice in a prison escape.
- Use of a minor to commit a crime (because her brother was under 18 at the time).
If you’re wondering why she isn't behind bars right this second in January 2026, it’s because of a "casación" (an extraordinary appeal) to the Supreme Court of Justice. Her lawyer, Miguel Ángel del Río, managed to keep her free while the highest court reviews the case.
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Life on the Edge
Living with a 13-year sentence hanging over your head is intense. Aida Victoria hasn't exactly been hiding, though. She’s been incredibly vocal, often breaking down in tears on camera one day and posting a high-fashion brand deal the next. It’s that exact "unfiltered" vibe that kept her followers hooked. She turned her legal trauma into content, which is either brilliant branding or a desperate survival tactic, depending on who you ask.
Misconceptions: It’s Not Just One Video
When people search for the "Aida Victoria Merlano video," they’re often looking for three different things. It’s worth clearing up the confusion.
- The Escape Video: The 2019 CCTV footage of the red rope. This is the historical record of the crime.
- The Reaction Videos: The clips where she cries or explains her side of the story. These are what made her a "human" figure to her millions of followers.
- The "Sensational" Content: Because she’s an influencer who has modeled and done suggestive content, there’s often a search for "leaked" or explicit videos. To be clear: most of that is clickbait or fabricated. Her fame is rooted in the political scandal, not some "private tape" scandal, though the internet loves to conflate the two.
Why This Case Still Matters in 2026
The reason this story hasn't died is because it represents the weird intersection of Colombian politics, the justice system, and social media fame. Aida Victoria’s mother was a symbol of corruption—buying votes in the Atlantic department. The daughter, meanwhile, became a symbol of the "new" Colombia: young, tech-savvy, and completely unapologetic.
Nuance is key here. Critics say she's a criminal who used her brother and profited from her mother's sins. Supporters see a young woman being persecuted by a "macho" justice system that couldn't catch the real political bosses, so they went after the daughter instead.
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There's a real argument that the sentence is disproportionate. 13 years for helping your mother escape? People have served less for violent crimes. That’s the angle her legal team is pushing in the Supreme Court right now.
Actionable Takeaways for the Curious
If you're following this case, don't just get sucked into the viral clips. Here is how to actually stay informed without falling for the fake news:
- Check the Source: If you see a "new" video claiming she's been arrested, verify it with major Colombian outlets like El Tiempo or Semana. The Supreme Court proceedings are public but slow.
- Ignore the Clickbait: Avoid sites promising "leaked" videos of Aida Victoria. These are almost always malware or phishing links. The real "videos" are the court exhibits and her own verified social media posts.
- Watch the Casación: The Supreme Court's final decision is the only thing that matters now. If they uphold the 13-year sentence, her influencer career as we know it will likely end, as she'd have to serve time in a prison facility, not at home.
The saga of the Aida Victoria Merlano video is a reminder that in the digital age, a criminal record can be rebranded into a career, but the law eventually catches up. Whether she ends up as a cautionary tale or a survivor is something the Colombian high court will decide in the coming months.
Current Status: Free on appeal (as of Jan 2026).
Key Player: Miguel Ángel del Río (Defense Lawyer).
Next Big Milestone: Supreme Court ruling on the 13-year sentence appeal.