Chilean Prosecutor’s Office Investigating Kidnapping and Murder of Former Venezuelan Military Man in Santiago
On February 21, a shocking incident unfolded in Santiago, Chile, as three individuals disguised as members of the Chilean Investigative Police (PDI) forcibly removed Ronald Leandro Ojeda Moreno, a 32-year-old former Venezuelan military man, from his home. The assailants, armed and wearing bulletproof vests, took Ojeda against his will to an unknown location, leaving his family distraught.
Subsequently, on March 1, a grim discovery was made in the commune of Maipú in Santiago, where Ojeda’s body was found buried in a suitcase under layers of cement. The Chilean Prosecutor’s Office has opened an investigation into the incident, with authorities withholding the victim’s identity initially for safety reasons.
The case of Ronald Ojeda has garnered attention not only in Chile and Venezuela but also in other countries in the region. The authorities have expressed their commitment to unraveling the complexities of this crime, which appears to be linked to organized crime.
Ojeda, who had sought refuge in Chile after escaping from a Venezuelan prison in 2017, was granted political asylum in 2023. However, recent developments have shed light on the dangers he faced even in his new home. The investigation into his kidnapping and murder remains ongoing, with multiple suspects identified and one individual arrested.
As the search for answers continues, Ojeda’s family and legal representatives are pushing for a thorough investigation into the motives behind this heinous act. The case underscores the challenges faced by individuals fleeing persecution and seeking safety in foreign lands, highlighting the importance of robust protection measures for asylum seekers.
The tragic fate of Ronald Ojeda serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by those who stand up against oppressive regimes and the imperative of international collaboration to combat organized crime and protect vulnerable individuals.