Argentine Engineer Ariel Morán Detained in Paraguay for Missing Teen Kidnapping

Paraguayan authorities arrested 55‑year‑old Argentine engineer Ariel Fernando Morán in Asunción after he was identified with a 17‑year‑old girl reported missing by her family. Investigators say Morán gave the teenager alcoholic drinks, forced her into his van and drove her to his house on the outskirts of San Bernardino and Ypacaraí. The victim escaped, sent her location from the Costanera, and was rescued by the Department Against Organized Crime and Human Trafficking.

A search of Morán’s vehicle yielded clothing, a camera, a teddy bear, a cellphone and a small amount of cocaine. The Public Prosecutor’s Office charged him with serious coercion and violation of parental authority, and requested preventive detention citing flight‑risk concerns. Prosecutors are examining the possibility of a larger trafficking network and plan to raid Morán’s residence for additional evidence or victims.