Argentina has been gripped by a profound sense of horror and disbelief following the brutal torture and murder of three young women, including a teenager. What has particularly sent shockwaves through the nation is the revelation that the alleged drug traffickers responsible broadcast their heinous crime live on social media, authorities confirmed.
Regional authorities reported that the women were enticed to a house on the fringes of Buenos Aires last Friday. There, their horrific ordeal was streamed live on a private Instagram channel to approximately 45 viewers. The victims have been identified as Brenda del Castillo (20), Morena Verdi (20), and Lara Gutiérrez (15).
Police investigators suspect an international drug organization orchestrated this brutal act. Authorities suggest the crime served as a chilling message, likely in retaliation for the theft of a small drug package, allegedly by one of the victims.
During a Wednesday news conference, Javier Alonso, the Minister of Security for Buenos Aires Province, stated unequivocally that ‘everything points to a drug-related revenge.’ He further characterized the incident as ‘a settling of scores.’
These murders have deeply shaken Argentina, a nation where such extreme violence at the hands of drug gangs is typically 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 disseminate videos, aiming to instill fear in rivals, deter journalists, and terrorize the general public.
The three women were last observed at approximately 9:30 p.m. on September 19th, entering a white van in a neighborhood on the outskirts of Argentina’s capital. Police reports indicate they were then lured to a house about 18 miles away under false pretenses of being paid for sex work.
Mr. Alonso emphasized that the women ‘were tricked into participating in this event,’ revealing that the scheme was meticulously planned by an international criminal network to ensnare them.
Their torture and murder unfolded later that night, streamed live to an audience of dozens on social media, Mr. Alonso confirmed. Authorities have chosen not to release further gruesome details of the crime.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has not yet issued a public statement or responded to inquiries regarding the case.
Investigators successfully located the victims’ bodies this week, buried in plastic bags within a garden. While four individuals have been arrested in connection with the crime, authorities suspect additional perpetrators are involved.
Authorities indicate a growing presence of criminal groups in Argentina, which has emerged as a crucial transit point for drug smuggling operations from Bolivia and Peru en route to Europe. This illicit trade has intensified rivalry and violence as these groups fiercely compete for control over territory and profits.
Argentine President Javier Milei, known for his self-portrayal as a staunch law-and-order libertarian, has vowed a firm response to cartel violence, pledging to prosecute gang members under terrorism charges.