The National Police of Paraguay, together with the Public Ministry, dismantled on Friday a criminal organization composed of Colombian citizens suspected of involvement in kidnapping, torture, and the system of illegal loans known as "gota a gota". The operation, named "Operation Gota a Gota", resulted in the arrest of five people after simultaneous raids in the Tablada Nueva neighborhood of Asunción and the Tercer Barrio of Luque.
The investigation began from a complaint filed in Colombia, before the Unified Action Group for Personal Liberty (GAULA), regarding the kidnapping of a compatriot that occurred on August 4 in the Paraguayan capital. The criminals allegedly sent videos and audio to the victim's family, showing torture and demanding a ransom of 25 million Colombian pesos, equivalent to about 50 million guaranis. The victim was freed on Thursday night, during a storm, after police located one of the hideouts.
According to Commissioner Nimio Cardozo, head of the Anti-Kidnapping Department, one of those detained, 23-year-old Jheiner David Rojas Pallares, is identified as the group's leader. Authorities are also seeking a woman suspected of being part of the gang. Rojas Pallares had previously been detained in Peru in June 2024, accused of belonging to a criminal organization dedicated to organized crime and contract killing.
The gang's modus operandi was linked to "gota a gota" loans, a form of loan-sharking that offers credit with extremely high interest rates, which can exceed 500% annually. When debtors could not make payments, they were subjected to extortion, threats, kidnapping, and physical violence. Audio recordings obtained by authorities show explicit threats, such as "If you don't pay me, I'll take an arm or a leg, or I'll set you on fire."
International police authorities had already warned about the risks of this criminal scheme becoming established in Paraguay. The method, originating in Medellín, Colombia, has expanded to countries like Mexico, Peru, and Argentina, often associated with money laundering and other serious crimes. Prosecutor Lorenzo Lezcano is expected to file formal charges against the five detainees for the alleged crimes of kidnapping and criminal association.