Gang linked to three kidnappings in Yapacaní: two victims executed despite ransom payment
Santa Cruz police identified a criminal organisation responsible for at least three kidnappings in Yapacaní, San Juan and surrounding areas, with two victims murdered.
Criminal gang identified following series of kidnappings in integrated north of Santa Cruz
Bolivian police identified the alleged perpetrators of the kidnapping and murder of a community leader from San Germán, in Yapacaní, and linked them to a criminal organisation responsible for at least two other kidnappings in the same area. According to El Deber, investigators point to a common pattern in all three cases: violent break-ins, demands for large ransoms and, on two occasions, the murder of victims even after receiving the money.
The departmental police commander for Santa Cruz, David Gómez, confirmed that the alleged perpetrators have already been identified and that there would be evidence that they form part of a criminal structure active in Yapacaní, San Juan and neighbouring localities in recent months. Operations were launched following an emergency meeting between authorities, community leaders and institutional representatives from Yapacaní, and were extended simultaneously to several points within the municipality and nearby areas.
Case 1: Alexander Calle Juárez, found dead in the Faja Norte
Peruvian national Alexander Calle Juárez, a resident of Bolivia for more than 15 years, was kidnapped from his home in the community of La Enconada, San Juan municipality. His captors initially demanded 300,000 dollars, a figure they later reduced to 200,000 bolivianos. On 4 November 2025, his body was found in the Faja Norte of Yapacaní. The police report indicated that he had multiple gunshot wounds and his head was covered with two hoods.
Case 2: Woman released at Puerto Chore after ransom payment
On Sunday, 1 February of this year, at around 10:00, a woman was kidnapped in front of her home in Yapacaní. Four armed men descended from a white Noah-type vehicle wearing vests and caps similar to those of the Special Force to Combat Drug Trafficking (Felcn). They overpowered her and forced her into the vehicle. After her family paid the ransom, she was left alive in the Puerto Chore area.
Case 3: Édgar Peñaloza Soliz, executed after handing over more than 100,000 dollars
On the night of Thursday, 11 June 2026, seven armed and hooded men broke into a property to kidnap Édgar Peñaloza Soliz, aged 36. Over the following hours, the family gathered and handed over more than 100,000 dollars demanded by the kidnappers. Despite the payment, Peñaloza was executed with four shots after being held for almost 24 hours.
Investigation extends to the Cochabamba tropics
The similarities in the modus operandi of all three cases—violent break-in, use of clothing similar to that of law enforcement and murder of victims even after receiving the ransom—led investigators not to rule out that all were perpetrated by the same organisation. Police are also analysing the possible involvement of the group in kidnappings recorded in different areas of the Cochabamba tropics, where similar methods were allegedly employed.
The authorities assert that the capture of those responsible is a priority and expect to make arrests in the coming hours, whilst raids and operations in Yapacaní and neighbouring municipalities continue.
Source: El Deber