Black widow gang leader arrested in Argentina after over a year on the run

A woman accused of leading a "black widow" gang that preyed on men in Buenos Aires and its suburbs has been arrested after more than a year on the run. Paula Belén Montaño, 31, was apprehended at a hotel in Esteban Echeverría, a suburb of Buenos Aires.

Montaño allegedly seduced men in bars and clubs or through social media, drugged them, and stole their money, vehicles, and valuables. Investigators believe she evaded capture for over 18 months by using fake profiles and names. She reportedly escaped police once before when they nearly had her cornered at her niece's 15th birthday party.

Her arrest came unexpectedly when a woman she was with at the hotel suffered a medical emergency. As emergency services arrived, police identified Montaño, who had an active arrest warrant. She allegedly tried to feign illness to avoid identification but failed.

During her arrest, Montaño was wearing several gold chains, rings, and a pendant. Police also seized other items that will be analyzed for their connection to the crimes. The investigation that led to her capture began in December 2024 after a man met three women at a club, invited them to his home, and was later drugged and robbed of valuable guitars and sound equipment.