A Ultranza: Mechanic Allegedly Served as Logistics Chief and Supervisor Under 'Tío Rico,' Prosecutors Say

Prosecutors in Paraguay have formally accused Mariano Genes of playing a crucial role within the A Ultranza criminal network, allegedly masterminded by Miguel Insfrán, also known as "Tío Rico." Genes, 42, faces charges including international drug trafficking, criminal association, and laundering assets derived from narcotics, according to the prosecution's findings presented on July 7.

The prosecutor, Deny Yoon Pak, described Genes as the "right-hand man" of Insfrán. His expertise in automotive mechanics reportedly led him to work within one of Insfrán's companies. However, the prosecution alleges that Genes's involvement escalated, and he allegedly acted as a supervisor and coordinator for the organization's drug trafficking and money laundering activities between 2020 and 2021, a period marked by Insfrán's partnership with Uruguayan national Sebastián Marset Cabrera.

Genes was initially indicted on February 23, 2022, following a large-scale operation across Paraguay. He remained at large until January 7, 2026, when he was apprehended in Limpio after being under surveillance for 90 days by anti-narcotics intelligence police. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 3 to determine if the case will proceed to a full trial.