crime

Police ID suspects in kidnapping case

LA PRENSA

Luis Martínez1027210

Two residents of the Darién and two Colombians have emerged as prime suspects in the April 4 kidnapping of Cuban-American businessman Cecilio Padrón.

The Darién suspects are known gang members who are thought to be involved in various criminal enterprises, including drug and weapons smuggling, robbery, extortion and, now, kidnapping.

Sources connected with the investigation reported that these two men, along with the two Colombian citizens, allegedly smuggled Padrón out of the country and then "sold" him to a criminal organization in Colombia, which is now demanding a large ransom for his release. Officials have not commented on whether the criminal organization is connected to FARC, which has conducted a number of kidnappings in that country.

Panamanian prosecutor Luis Martínez has issued arrest warrants for the four men, who remain at large.

Authorities believe that the four men bribed three Panamanian police officers to help them abduct Padrón. Those officers, who have allegedly admitted receiving $500 each to participate, claimed that they were only asked to scare the victim, and have denied being involved in the kidnapping.

The case is being investigated by authorities in Panama, Colombia and the United States.