Pucón Authorities investigate Arson Linked to Retaliation, banner Raises Concerns
Pucón, Chile – Authorities in Pucón are investigating a deliberate fire that damaged a property belonging to Cincho and Bodega, alongside the finding of a banner referencing respect for Venezuelans, sparking concerns about potential connections to organized crime and rural violence. the incident, reported after 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, involved a malicious fire at an 80 square meter structure.
The arson is believed to be an act of retaliation after a group of individuals, identified as possibly foreign nationals, were removed from a campsite. Pucón Mayor Sebastián Álvarez stated that the situation highlights the need for increased preventative measures to address the presence of organized crime networks operating in the commune. ”We believe that what we are working on, which is prevention, anticipation, will allow us to have this situation under control,” Álvarez said.
Carabineros de Chile, utilizing specialized teams Labocar and OS9, are actively pursuing the perpetrators, with the Public Ministry also conducting investigations. Lieutenant Colonel Alejandro Albán of the Villarrica Prefecture confirmed the fire’s malicious intent and the presence of the banner, stating, “At the moment, Carabineros de Chile…is materializing the diligence for the detention of it or the authors of this fact and put them in disposition of the respective courts.” The banner’s message, advocating for respect for Venezuelans, is currently under inquiry for its potential meaning to the motive behind the arson.
