'El Monstruo' reappears, confesses to 2020 kidnappings of businessmen: 'I planned it'

Erick Luis Moreno Hernández, known as 'El Monstruo,' confessed to his role in the 2020 kidnappings of two businessmen during his trial's final hearing. Appearing virtually from the Callao Naval Base, where he is imprisoned for other offenses, Moreno Hernández admitted to planning and executing the abductions of Erick Trujillo Torres and Milton Corrales Calla.

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I participated in the kidnapping of Mr. Erick Trujillo and Mr. Milton Corrales Calaya.

He stated he owned the weapons used by his criminal organization and was the mastermind behind the events. "I participated in both kidnappings, gentlemen. I own the weapons. I am the person who planned it with the people who are already sentenced," he declared.

Moreno Hernández's confession marks a significant shift from his previous defense strategy, which involved denying his involvement. He attributed his change of heart to a religious awakening he experienced while in Paraguay, from where he was extradited to Peru. "I want to ask for forgiveness from each of you in the love of God for perhaps having tried from the beginning to hide my faults, hide the things I have done that are bad before God," he stated.

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I own the weapons. I am the person who planned it with the people who are already sentenced.

The once-feared criminal, known for threats disseminated through audio and video messages, presented a starkly different persona, emphasizing his newfound Christian faith. "I reconciled with God. I am a Christian. I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe in his forgiveness. When a sinner repents, there is forgiveness from God," he expressed. He added that he could not live peacefully while hiding his responsibilities, stating, "I free myself from this guilt in the name of Jesus Christ."

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I want to ask for forgiveness from each of you in the love of God for perhaps having tried from the beginning to hide my faults, hide the things I have done that are bad before God.

Despite his confession and plea for forgiveness, the Provincial Prosecutor's Office of Lima Norte is seeking a 35-year prison sentence for Moreno Hernández for the crime of extortion.

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I reconciled with God. I am a Christian. I believe in Jesus Christ. I believe in his forgiveness. When a sinner repents, there is forgiveness from God.