Chilean man faces pretrial detention for $56,000 tractor theft

Fernando Fuentes C. has been charged with fraud following the theft of 16 lawn tractors valued at approximately $56,000,000 CLP. The incident occurred on October 16, when the suspect allegedly used a WhatsApp application called ‘Retorno Camioneros’ to deceive a victim into hiring him for freight services intended for Puerto Varas.

Investigations led by the San Javier prosecutor's office and the Talca Economic Crimes Brigade resulted in the recovery of 13 John Deere tractors. Authorities identified the suspect in the communes of Puente Alto and Recoleta. Prosecutors described the incident as part of a criminal organization that poses as transport providers to steal high-value goods after being hired for legitimate freight services.