Paraguayan police rescue teenage trafficking victim and detain Argentine suspect

Paraguayan authorities rescued a 14‑year‑old girl who had been lured to the Costanera Norte area of Asunción and was found in a state of shock. The rescue was coordinated after the family activated the MAFE alert system, allowing police to locate the teenager through a GPS signal she sent. The suspect, a 56‑year‑old Argentine citizen identified as Ariel Fernando Morán, was arrested, placed in the custody of the specialized anti‑trafficking prosecutor’s office and is being investigated for possible involvement in a trafficking network.

Police commissioner Luis López later confirmed that a second minor, a 17‑year‑old from San Pedro, had also been rescued and that a further juvenile might still be in the suspect’s control. Investigators also seized small quantities of cocaine, alcoholic beverages and personal items from the suspect’s vehicle. The case is being examined in cooperation with the migration authority to determine whether the suspect intended to transport the victims to Argentina.

"Mutmaßlich könnte sich eine weitere Minderjährige in der Gewalt dieses Mannes befinden," López told Radio Monumental, underscoring the ongoing search for any other potential victims.