Colombia’s Police Chief: Murder of Paraguayan Prosecutor Was Likely Committed by Transnational Criminals

Marcelo Pecci

BOGOTA, May 11 (Reuters)

Colombia’s national police chief, Gen. Jorge Luis Vargas, has stated that the murder of Paraguayan prosecutor Marcelo Pecci, 45, was likely committed by transnational criminals working across borders.

Pecci was shot dead on the island of Baru near the Caribbean city of Cartagena on Tuesday while on his honeymoon with his wife. The police chief said that the “big hypothesis” is that Pecci’s killing was likely related to his prosecutions in Paraguay, which often focused on high-stakes anti-money laundering and anti-drug cases.

Vargas added that police have images of the main suspect, but he would not confirm rumors that non-Colombians may have also been involved. A reward equivalent to nearly $500,000 has been offered for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Pecci and his wife, Paraguayan journalist Claudia Aguilera, announced her pregnancy on Instagram shortly before the couple was approached by two men on a private beach near their hotel. She told authorities one of the men later shot Pecci.

Investigation Ongoing

A senior official with Paraguay’s national police, Nimio Cardozo, arrived in Colombia’s capital to assist the investigation, along with U.S. drug and other federal agents. Cardozo stressed that only a few people knew of Pecci’s planned vacation.

Appearing at the same news conference, Cardozo said, “We will not stop until we have caught those responsible, materially and intellectually, for this despicable act.”

Conclusion

The murder of Marcelo Pecci is a tragic reminder of the dangers faced by those who fight against organized crime. The investigation is ongoing, and it is hoped that those responsible will be brought to justice.

FAQs

* Who was Marcelo Pecci?
+ Marcelo Pecci was a Paraguayan prosecutor known for fighting organized crime.
* Where was Pecci killed?
+ Pecci was killed on the island of Baru near the Caribbean city of Cartagena, Colombia.
* What is the motive behind the murder?
+ The police chief believes that the murder was likely related to Pecci’s prosecutions in Paraguay, which often focused on high-stakes anti-money laundering and anti-drug cases.
* Who is investigating the murder?
+ The investigation is being led by Colombia’s national police, with assistance from Paraguay’s national police and U.S. drug and other federal agents.