FBI: Colombians Drugged US Troopers, Stole Cash, Telephones

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Three Colombian nationals are dealing with federal expenses in Miami accusing them of drugging two U.S. Military troopers at a Bogota bar three years in the past to steal their debit and bank cards and their telephones, U.S. legislation enforcement officers introduced Friday.

Jeffersson Arango, Kenneth Uribe and Pedro Silva have been indicted on kidnapping, assault and conspiracy expenses for the alleged March 2020 drugging, abduction and theft that left the troopers with little reminiscence of what occurred.

In line with court docket paperwork, the troopers went to an upscale Bogota bar late one night time shortly earlier than many of the world shutdown as a result of coronavirus pandemic to drink, watch a soccer recreation and dance with native ladies.

Hours later, one soldier was discovered stumbling down a Bogota road and the opposite was discovered handed out in his residence, with each lacking their wallets, cellphones and different possessions. Blood checks confirmed they’d been drugged.

A joint investigation by the FBI and the Colombian Nationwide Police discovered bar surveillance video that reveals the three and presumably others drugging the troopers’ drinks after which escorting them out of the bar after 2 a.m. and right into a ready automotive. Financial institution and different surveillance video reveals Arango utilizing their debit and bank cards at ATMs and shops, the U.S. authorities alleges.

After the trio had been recognized, Colombian police started intercepting their telephone communications the place they allegedly talked about robbing folks they drugged at bars and complaining that the pandemic shutdown had halted their conspiracy. Arango and Uribe had been arrested in December. Paperwork don’t present if Silva has been arrested.

FBI Particular Agent Orlando Quant stated in affidavit that when he interviewed Arango, he admitted drugging the troopers with the others and taking them to a lodge. He stated he was capable of get one soldier’s debit card PIN by convincing him he wanted to pay for one thing. He then advised the drugged soldier {that a} cellphone was a fee pad and had him sort within the quantity, which he later used to withdraw cash.

They then left the troopers on the road. It’s unclear how one acquired again to his residence.

Arango made his first look in Miami’s federal court docket Friday after being extradited. Court docket paperwork don’t present that Uribe or Silva have been extradited. No attorneys had been listed in court docket paperwork for the three.

Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This materials will not be revealed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.