MEXICO CITY, Aug. 1, 2025 – Israel Vallarta, a key figure in the high-profile kidnapping case alongside French national Florence Cassez, walked free from Altiplano prison on Friday, August 1, after nearly two decades behind bars without a final sentence. Vallarta, 55, expressed being in shock upon learning of his release and stated his immediate plans are to focus on his health and family.
Vallarta Details Band’s Origin in ‘Los Zodiaco’ Case
In an interview, Vallarta recounted how the alleged kidnapping ring, known as “Los Zodiaco,” was formed. He was arrested in 2005 near Mexico City, accused along with Cassez of leading this group.
Vallarta described the interrogation process, stating that after being subjected to torture on Dec. 8 and 9, 2005, officials asked for his data. When asked if he had a nickname, he denied having one. He recounted being struck when he reiterated that no such nickname existed for him.
He further detailed how a torturer inquired about his zodiac sign. Vallarta stated he was a Cancer. The torturer then asked a policeman about his sign, who identified as Capricorn, and then another about their signs, identifying as Pisces and Aquarius.
“The Zodiac. This is how the band of The Zodiac,” Vallarta said, indicating this exchange led to the group’s name. He noted that some accounts suggest the “Los Zodiaco” kidnapping ring had a record dating back to 1991 or 1992.
Vallarta requested that all government and investigative files predating Dec. 8, 2005, related to the alleged kidnapping ring be reviewed.
Media Credited with Naming ‘Los Zodiaco’
According to Vallarta, an official report from the criminal investigation agency indicates that media outlets, not law enforcement, were responsible for naming the “Zodiaco” group. The report also suggests no prior records for this alleged band existed before his arrest date.
- Israel Vallarta was released on August 1, 2025, after nearly 20 years in prison without a sentence.
- He was arrested in 2005 in connection with the kidnapping case involving Florence Cassez and the alleged “Los Zodiaco” ring.
- Vallarta claims the group’s name originated from interrogators asking for zodiac signs during his detention.
- An official report reportedly states media, not authorities, named the “Los Zodiaco” band.
- The case is linked to Luis Cárdenas Palomino, a former official connected to Genaro García Luna.
The authorities who arrested Vallarta for alleged torture faced accusations related to Luis Cárdenas Palomino, a former official linked to Genaro García Luna, Mexico’s former security minister, who is currently imprisoned in the United States for alleged drug trafficking ties. A judge in the central State of Mexico had previously decreed an absolute sentence for Vallarta.
