CIUDAD DEL ESTE, PARAGUAY – Five police officers from the Ciudad del Este Investigation Department in Alto Paraná province and one lawyer have been charged with kidnapping and aggravated extortion in connection with an incident that occurred on June 3. They are accused of extorting over 200 million Guaraní (approximately 27 million KRW or 27,000 USD) from a victim, who reportedly was forced to pay the money to prevent a search of his home.
Incident Overview and Suspect Identities
The indicted police officers are Lieutenant Derlis Ariel Chávez Giménez, Sub-Lieutenant Silvio Javier Rojas Vera, Sub-Lieutenant Celiano Antonio Zayas Benítez, Sub-Lieutenant Ángel Gabriel Resquín Vera, and Officer Denis Evaristo Miltos. Alongside them, lawyer Blanca Noemí Gauto Fernández has also been charged as an accomplice. All have been identified as members of the Ciudad del Este Investigation Department.
Detailed Account of the Crime
According to the prosecutor's indictment, the incident took place on June 3 on Monday Avenue in Presidente Franco. Fabio Junior Troche Zarza, Jorge Esteban Stoian Vidiella, and his minor daughter, who were traveling in a Kia Sportage, were suddenly stopped by armed individuals. These assailants, whose faces were uncovered and who had guns holstered at their waists, identified themselves as investigative police officers. They were traveling in a gray Toyota Hilux.
Victim Troche Zarza was forcibly removed from his vehicle and made to get into the Hilux, while the other two officers got into the victim's vehicle with Stoian Vidiella and his daughter. The officers then took the victims to the Investigation Department building, located behind the Identification Bureau.
Extortion Attempt and Threats
The police officers demanded $50,000 (approximately 69 million KRW or 50,000 USD) from the victims, threatening that if they did not pay, Troche Zarza's home and his parents' home would be searched under the pretext of an investigation into money laundering and organized crime.
Troche Zarza was held for about three hours in the outdoor dining area (quincho) of the Investigation Department building, while Jorge Esteban and his daughter were detained inside the vehicle. During this time, the officers instructed Troche Zarza to contact his lawyer, Blanca Noemí Gauto. Upon arrival, Gauto spoke with the officers and then urged Troche Zarza to pay the demanded money "to avoid problems."
Victim's Forced Payment and Further Developments
After four hours of detention, the victims ultimately agreed to pay an initial $30,000 (approximately 41 million KRW or 30,000 USD) and an additional $20,000 (approximately 27 million KRW or 20,000 USD) within one month. Victim Troche Zarza had to sell his vehicle and take out several bank loans to raise this money.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Actions
After Troche Zarza reported the incident to the police, the prosecutor's office conducted a series of investigations and requested detention orders for all involved suspects from the court. This incident has once again brought to light the issue of corruption within the Paraguayan police, causing significant social repercussions. The involvement of high-ranking police officers and a lawyer has made the impact even more shocking. Judicial authorities are expected to thoroughly investigate this case, severely punish those involved, and implement measures to prevent similar crimes from recurring. This incident raises serious questions about the transparency and fairness of the Paraguayan judicial system.
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