The brutal torture and murder of three young women, including a teenager, was a horrific tragedy in itself. However, it was the chilling detail that the accused drug traffickers broadcast their heinous crime live on social media that truly sent shockwaves across Argentina, according to official statements.
Last Friday, the victims were tragically lured to a home on the outskirts of Buenos Aires. There, their torture and murder were streamed on a private Instagram feed, watched by approximately 45 individuals, as confirmed by regional authorities. The young women have been identified as Brenda del Castillo (20), Morena Verdi (20), and Lara Gutiérrez (15).
Investigators suspect an international drug organization orchestrated this brutal act. Authorities suggest the crime was a ‘message’ or ‘settling of scores’ following the apparent theft of a small drug package, allegedly by one of the victims.
During a Wednesday news conference, Javier Alonso, Minister of Security for the Province of Buenos Aires, stated, ‘Everything points to a drug-related revenge. We can call it a settling of scores.’
These murders have profoundly shaken Argentina, a nation where extreme drug gang violence is far less common than in countries like Mexico or other parts of Latin America. This incident also highlights a disturbing trend: criminal organizations increasingly use social media platforms to broadcast their actions, aiming to intimidate rivals, journalists, and the general public alike.
The three women were last observed at approximately 9:30 p.m. on September 19th, entering a white van in a Buenos Aires suburban neighborhood. Police reports indicate they were then lured to a house about 18 miles away under the false pretense of receiving payment for sex work.
Mr. Alonso emphasized that the women were ‘tricked into participating in this event,’ revealing that the entire scheme was meticulously planned by an international criminal network to ensnare them.
Later that same night, the women endured torture and murder, with their horrifying ordeal being broadcast live to dozens of viewers on social media, Mr. Alonso confirmed. Specific details of the atrocities committed were not released by the authorities.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, did not immediately respond to inquiries regarding the incident.
This week, investigators located the victims’ bodies, discovered buried in plastic bags within a garden. While four individuals have been apprehended in connection with the crime, authorities suspect more people are involved.
Officials report a growing presence of criminal organizations in Argentina, which has emerged as a crucial transit point for drug smugglers moving narcotics from Bolivia and Peru to Europe. This illicit trade has intensified rivalries, leading to increased competition and violence as gangs fight for control over territories and profits.
Argentine President Javier Milei, known for his law-and-order libertarian stance, has vowed to crack down on cartel violence, pledging to prosecute gang members as terrorists.