Overview: A Key Suspect Falls in Peru
In a breakthrough for the investigation into Argentina’s brutal Florencio Varela case, Tony Janzen Valverde Victoriano, known as “Pequeño J,” was captured by the Peruvian National Police (PNP) in Pucusana, a district south of Lima. A 20-year-old suspected leader of a narcotics network, Valverde Victoriano is alleged to have directed operatives behind the killing of three young women linked to the Florencio Varela crimes. The arrest underscores cross-border cooperation in pursuing alleged masterminds of violent crime and trafficking networks that cross national borders.
How the Arrest Unfolded
According to authorities, the capture occurred as Valverde Victoriano attempted to elude justice by concealing himself inside a truck in the coastal town of Pucusana. The operation was carried out by the Division de Investigación Especial (DIVINESP) of the PNP, which has led several strands of the case. Video and official reports indicate a coordinated sting that culminated in the suspect’s detention without incident, with bystanders observing the tense moment before the suspect was placed under police custody.
Argentine officials and international partners have long pursued Valverde Victoriano as the alleged cabecilla, or ringleader, of a narcotrafficking faction tied to the broader network implicated in the Florencio Varela killings. The operation in Peru followed a wave of arrests in Argentina and neighboring regions, signaling a concerted effort to dismantle the organization behind the crimes.
Context: The Florencio Varela Triple Feminicide
Authorities say three young women—Morena Verdi, Brenda del Castillo, and Lara Gutiérrez—were found in Florencio Varela after several days missing. Their bodies showed signs of torture, and grisly details about the case circulated in images and videos shared within online groups, prompting a national and regional crackdown on the suspected network. The victims, aged 15 to 20, became symbols of a broader struggle against gender-based violence and organized crime in the region.
Valverde Victoriano is identified as a key figure in a narcotics operation that allegedly directed violence in service of criminal interests. The case quickly widened beyond Argentina’s borders as authorities traced the organization’s money, routes, and operatives through multiple countries, including Bolivia and Peru.
Reactions and International Cooperation
Argentine Security Minister Patricia Bullrich responded to the arrest, praising Peruvian authorities for their decisive work and collaboration. She highlighted ongoing efforts to extradite other suspects implicated in the triple murder, including Matías Agustín Ozorio, who was detained hours earlier and is described as the second in command of the crime network. Bullrich stated that extradition would allow Argentina to pursue justice for the victims and their families, and she signaled that other fugitive members would face justice in due course.
The case has drawn attention to Interpol’s role in coordinating cross-border legal actions and the importance of international cooperation in prosecuting interconnected criminal enterprises. Argentine authorities have stressed that arrests in Peru and Bolivia, along with ongoing extradition processes, demonstrate a shared commitment to dismantling the network responsible for the Florencio Varela tragedy.
What Comes Next
With Valverde Victoriano in custody, investigators will seek to build a robust case that links him to the leadership of the organization and to the killings themselves. Legal processes in Peru will determine the procedures for his possible extradition to Argentina, as well as potential charges that may be pursued domestically if relevant. Meanwhile, authorities on both sides of the Andes continue to pursue other suspects and to close gaps in the network’s supply chains and operational infrastructure.
Impact on Victims’ Families and Public Safety
While justice remains the overarching aim, the case also underscores the enduring impact on the families of Morena Verdi, Brenda del Castillo, and Lara Gutiérrez, as well as on communities grappling with violence and organized crime. Governments have pledged to reinforce law enforcement cooperation, improve response times, and strengthen protections for vulnerable populations.
