The Third Suspect in The Kidnapping of a Student in Choloma Has Been Arrested.
Alias ”El Compa” will face charges of aggravated kidnapping and criminal conspiracy, according to the National Police.
On Wednesday, March 12, the Police Investigation Directorate (DPI) arrested alias “El Compa,” the third suspect linked to the kidnapping of a 17-year-old student for whom a ransom of 10 million lempiras was demanded for his release, in Choloma, Cortés, northern Honduras.
According to investigations, alias “El Compa,” 45 years old and a taxi driver by trade, was responsible for transporting members of the 18th Gang during their illegal activities.
During the operation, authorities seized a white Toyota passenger vehicle, a “Taxi,” as well as a cell phone believed to contain information relevant to the investigation.
According to the police report, alias “El Compa” is accused of transporting weapons and drugs, using his taxi as a means of transportation to evade authorities.
Authorities initially reported that the kidnapping victim was a businessman; however, he is a student who works with his father in several businesses in Puerto Cortés, where he was intercepted.
Impact capture
Security Secretary Gustavo Sánchez confirmed the arrest and highlighted the government’s commitment to the fight against organized crime.
“WE CAPTURED HIM! The @dpi_honduras captures ‘El Compa,’ the third suspect in the kidnapping of a student for whom they demanded L10 million. This individual, a suspected member of the 18th Gang, facilitated the transportation of criminals,” Sánchez posted.
“He will now face charges of aggravated kidnapping. We continue to strike at criminal organizations. We’re doing well!” the Secretary of Security added.
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In this case, Elkin Cristel Orellana Quinteros, 36, and Celso Ramos Medina, 72, alias “El Vejo,” were also arrested on March 10 in the El Chaparro neighborhood of Choloma, following two simultaneous raids carried out by an anti-kidnapping squad.
That same day, the uniformed officers rescued the young man who had been kidnapped since March 1.
When did the kidnapping occur?
According to the National Police, the kidnapping occurred on March 1, when armed men abducted the minor from his workplace.
The criminals, traveling in a vehicle, broke into the establishment and kidnapped the minor, taking him to an unknown destination.
The family received calls demanding a ransom of 10 million lempiras, and out of fear, they handed over half a million lempiras.
However, the swift intervention of the National Anti-Kidnapping Unit (UNAS) enabled the student’s rescue and prevented the criminals from obtaining the full amount.
What crimes will ‘El Compa’ face?
‘El Compa’ will face charges of aggravated kidnapping and criminal conspiracy, and will be brought before the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) for the corresponding legal proceedings, as stipulated in the Penal Code.
According to the Penal Code, article 240 is the crime of aggravated kidnapping with a penalty of 12 to 15 years in prison for whoever commits it.
In Honduras, the penalty for criminal association is 6 to 15 years in prison and a fine of 100 to 1,000 days, depending on the person’s role in the association.
