For acts of torture and homicides, 12 alleged members of ‘Los Maracuchos’ were sent to prison.
The subjects would be involved in at least six crimes that occurred during the last year in Bogotá, in which the victims were wrapped in bags and abandoned on public roads.
The investigative action led by the Attorney General’s Office made it possible to identify and prosecute 12 designated members of the criminal group ‘Los Maracuchos’, who would be involved in acts of torture, selective homicides, drug trafficking, among other criminal conduct in the southwest and center of Bogotá.
These people, apparently, coordinated the sale of illicit substances at retail in Pagadiarios, tolerance zones and with the appearance of informal sellers in the Santa Fe and Samper Mendoza neighborhoods of the town of Los Mártires; and in El Amparo, in Kennedy. To maintain control of these illicit activities, they allegedly began a violent confrontation with other criminal organizations that left six violent deaths during the last year.
The evidence indicates that the victims were taken to different buildings, subjected to inhuman and degrading treatment, and attacked with sharp weapons and firearms. Subsequently, the bodies were wrapped in plastic bags and abandoned on public roads.
Among those investigated are Germán Iván Cataño Mosquera, alias El Viejo, one of the alleged main leaders of ‘Los Maracuchos’, who would issue criminal orders from Villavicencio (Meta); and Reinaldo de Jesús Hernández Bonelt, alias El Diablo, possible head of hitmen.
The others were identified as Juan David Sánchez Castrillón, Angie Tatiana Blandón Marín, Alexander José Pérez Vásquez, alias Crespo; Daniel Santiago Camero Rodríguez, alias Careniña; Luis Alejandro Sánchez Castrillón, Petra del Valle Mendoza Blanco, Gilberto José Salazar Rivas, alias Zarco; Carmen Maribella Caguao Bermúdez, alias Mammy; Brayan Andrés Parra Peña, alias Gafas; and Andruarwin Antonio Herrera Marcano, alias Morocho.
How can local communities effectively collaborate with law enforcement to combat organized crime?
Interview between the Time.news Editor and Criminal Justice Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Ramirez, and thank you for joining us today to discuss a troubling new development in Bogotá concerning criminal groups and violent crime. Recently, 12 alleged members of ‘Los Maracuchos’ were sent to prison for acts of torture and homicide. Can you provide some context about this criminal organization and its activities?
Dr. Ramirez: Thank you for having me. ‘Los Maracuchos’ is a notorious criminal group originally from Venezuela that has established a strong presence in various Colombian cities, including Bogotá. They’ve been implicated in various violent crimes, ranging from drug trafficking to extortion and, as we see in this case, gruesome acts of murder and torture.
Editor: The nature of the crimes mentioned—specifically, victims being wrapped in bags and left on public roads—is particularly harrowing. What do these tactics indicate about the group’s method of operation?
Dr. Ramirez: These methods signify a brutal approach to instilling fear and asserting dominance within the community and rival groups. By publicly abandoning victims in such a manner, ‘Los Maracuchos’ send a chilling message regarding the consequences of crossing their path. This kind of psychological warfare is often a strategic move in organized crime circles.
Editor: It sounds like the Attorney General’s recent actions are a significant step toward addressing this issue. What can you tell us about how the investigation unfolded to identify and prosecute these individuals?
Dr. Ramirez: Yes, it was a crucial operation led by the Attorney General’s Office. They utilized a combination of intelligence gathering, community cooperation, and forensic evidence. The challenges in tackling such organizations are immense due to their networks and the fear they instill in local populations. However, consistent law enforcement efforts are key to dismantling these groups.
Editor: Addressing such organized crime is certainly complex. What are some ways communities can support law enforcement efforts in fighting against groups like ‘Los Maracuchos’?
Dr. Ramirez: Community engagement is vital. Residents need to feel safe reporting crimes and suspicious activities without fear of retribution. Awareness programs about safety, legal rights, and the importance of cooperation with authorities can empower communities. Additionally, establishing clear channels of communication between law enforcement and the public can greatly enhance the efficacy of investigations.
Editor: Given the recent developments, what implications do you see for the future of Bogotá in terms of crime and security?
Dr. Ramirez: While these arrests are a positive step, it’s crucial to recognize that organized crime tends to be resilient. If ‘Los Maracuchos’ are weakened, it could create a power vacuum that other groups may quickly fill. Therefore, it’s essential for the authorities to not only focus on immediate threats but also to address root causes, such as poverty, lack of education, and limited economic opportunities that drive individuals toward these criminal organizations.
Editor: Dr. Ramirez, thank you for your insights—you’ve provided a thorough understanding of a complex issue affecting Bogotá. Your expertise sheds much-needed light on the challenges ahead.
Dr. Ramirez: Thank you for having me. It’s important that we keep the conversation going about crime and community safety. Together, we can hopefully pave the way for a more secure future.