An Argentinian Army lieutenant who had been hiding from the law was captured after he was found hiding in a cupboard.
Col Carlos Cialceta, who was wanted for human rights violations, had been running from police for 7 months before being arrested.
He was accused of abduction, torture and murder of political activist Jorge René Santillán in 1976 and had been in service for the 28th Mountain Infantry regiment back then.
A warrant for his arrest was granted by federal judge Mariela Giménez earlier in April 2021.
Authorities checked his home in Salta, Argentina, after being given a tip-off.
Cialceta’s partner had also said the retired officer did not live at the location, but after using surveillance and wire-tapping police found out that he was.
Upon entering the home, the officers were surprised to find that Cialceta tried to hide in a cupboard, but his hiding place was discovered in no time.
Argentina’s Minister of Security Anibal Fernandez said:
“Gendarmería stopped a fugitive repressor.
“Carlos Cialceta, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, with an international arrest warrant since April 12, 2021, prosecuted for kidnapping, torture and murder in 1976.
“While serving in the Monte 28 Infantry Regiment, Tartagal.
“The fugitive was hidden in the closet of the raided house, he was arrested after field work and wiretapping.
“It is available to the judge.”
Five men wearing hoods entered Santillán’s home in General Mosconi and reportedly beat him in front of his whole family.
He was then abducted and driven to Tartagal before his body was found 20 kilometers outside of General Mosconi.
According to experts, Santillán had been subjected to an unknown type of explosion.
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