Crime: Mother locked in basement: German arrested in Venezuela

A German national, wanted internationally, has been apprehended in Venezuela for allegedly holding his mother captive in a basement for approximately one month in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. The 32-year-old suspect was located in a residential area in the northern state of Carabobo, west of Caracas.

German authorities have confirmed the arrest, and the district court of Konstanz has requested his extradition. Prosecutors accuse the man of human trafficking, extortion, unlawful imprisonment, and assault. According to the indictment, he allegedly beat and gagged his mother, repeatedly restraining her to compel her to grant him power of attorney over her assets and to transfer her house and 2,200 euros to him.

The woman was eventually freed after her loud cries attracted attention. The suspect failed to appear for his trial in Konstanz in April, prompting the judge to issue an arrest warrant at the prosecution's request. At the time, it was believed he might have fled to Mexico.

Venezuelan international police apprehended the fugitive in the Valle de Oro residential area near Valencia. Investigations involving local intelligence, phone record analysis, and surveillance led to his capture. The suspect is now awaiting extradition proceedings.