Agricultural producer Almir de Brum, 32, was released this Thursday, April 4, after spending more than three months in captivity at the hands of the armed group calling itself the Ejército del Pueblo Paraguayo (EPP). He is now at home, under the care of his family and protected by state security forces.
De Brum was kidnapped on February 21 while working on his farm in the Yerutí area, Canindeyú department. The EPP left leaflets at the crime scene claiming responsibility for the abduction. The first images released after his reunion with family show the young man visibly thinner, with grown-out hair and beard, as well as wounds on his legs and knees, suggesting he endured harsh conditions during captivity.
At a press conference held Thursday afternoon at Mburuvicha Róga, Defense Minister Óscar González confirmed the rescue was made possible by months of intelligence work. The producer was found in a natural reserve—possibly Bosque Mbaracayú or Morombi, both in Canindeyú—and authorities stated no ransom was paid for his release.
"The terrorist group had no chance to mobilize within the reserve where they were holding our compatriot," González said. The minister highlighted the joint efforts of the Armed Forces, the National Anti-Drug Secretariat (SENAD), the National Police, and the Public Ministry but declined to provide operational details, citing ongoing missions in the region.
President Santiago Peña celebrated the release via a social media message. "Almir de Brum is alive, free, and at home. Knowing that right now he is with his family fills us with deep happiness," he said. The president said he had ordered special security measures for the producer and reaffirmed the continuation of operations against criminal organizations in the country’s north.
"The task does not end with this release. We will continue working relentlessly to protect Paraguayans and ensure peace in every corner of the country," Peña stated. The case had kept family members, authorities, and local producers on edge since February, drawing attention both in Paraguay and Brazil.