Teenager from Paysandú found in Argentina: human trafficking being investigated and extradition of detainee being sought
The police chief of Paysandú confirmed that human trafficking is a line of investigation. The suspect, 37 years old, remains detained in Argentina.
Human trafficking, central line in case of minor from Paysandú found in Campana
The chief of police in Paysandú, Alejandro Sánchez, confirmed on Monday that human trafficking "is part of the lines of investigation" in the case of the 15-year-old adolescent, originally from that city, who was located in Argentina alongside a 37-year-old man currently detained. According to subrayado.com.uy, authorities are working to secure the extradition of the suspect to Uruguay.
The minor is "in perfect condition" in Argentine territory, awaiting transfer to the country, clarified during a press conference by the director of the National Police, José Azambuya. The young woman was found with the detainee in a residence located in Campana, a locality near Buenos Aires, during a search carried out by Argentine officials.
The suspect possesses dual nationality and had a prior link with the teenager's family. He has resided in Argentina for four years, although he has multiple records of entry to Uruguay during that period due to having family members in Paysandú.
Chronology of the case and family links
Based on sources from the investigation, Subrayado revealed on Sunday that the detainee was present on 8 October at the minor's residence. That day he arrived invited by the teenager's older sister, who explained to investigators that she had met him approximately a year ago through an escorts website. The two maintained contact until the man proposed formalising the relationship, an offer the woman rejected.
Regarding who invited him to stay overnight that night, family testimonies diverge: the mother maintained it was her older daughter; the latter declared it was the teenager's father. The following day, the parents found the man with the minor and asked him to leave. On Tuesday 13 October, the suspect sent a message to the older sister indicating that he was in Buenos Aires.
Migration records show that the man entered Uruguay at 7:12 on Friday 16 October—the day of the minor's disappearance—and left that same day at 08:15. The teenager, meanwhile, has no records of entry or exit from the country, despite being found in Argentine territory. The authorities did not explain this inconsistency and limited themselves to noting that the investigation is ongoing.
No exit records and investigation open
When questioned about the absence of exit records for the minor from the country, the authorities refrained from commenting. "There are situations that are being investigated, we cannot provide information on that. Once the investigation is concluded, if there are elements to review, they will be reviewed," declared Azambuya.
An Amber alert was activated in Uruguay and a Sofia alert in Argentina following the disappearance. Investigators quickly identified the suspect's vehicle, which had an Argentine licence plate, and contacted a relative of his who stated she had not seen him in several years and that they only maintained communication by email.
The teenager's family indicated, both to investigators and to the media, that the minor had no friends, had not attended school for two months, did not leave her house and did not use social media. They also indicated that the Argentine man was the only person with whom they suspected she could be found.
Source: Google News UY — Crime