Paraguay: Investigation launched into missing evidence from Palace of Justice

Paraguay's Public Ministry has initiated a criminal investigation into the disappearance of a pistol from the evidence vault at the Palace of Justice in Pedro Juan Caballero. The regional office of the Public Ministry has assigned prosecutor Emilio Álvarez to lead the probe into the missing firearm.

Prosecutor Álvarez stated that the investigation is proceeding under the charge of "particularly serious theft" and other related offenses. He has requested closed-circuit television footage and reports on the individuals responsible for the vault where the weapon was stored. The prosecutor also seeks information on who had access to the evidence deposit area.

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The figure used is that of particularly serious theft and others; I have already requested closed-circuit images, a report on those in charge of the vault where the weapon was and the content of the list of updates on who had access to the deposit.

Authorities are working to identify specific suspects, and several individuals are expected to be called for questioning in the coming days, including the person in charge of the vault at the time of the disappearance. The possibility of an "unfaithful official" is being considered, though it is deemed unlikely due to the vault's restricted access.

Judge Luis Benítez, president of the Administrative Council of the Amambay Judicial District, emphasized the vault's high-security measures, making it improbable for unauthorized individuals to gain entry. He suggested that the incident points to serious negligence by those responsible for the vault. The case has been referred to the Superintendency Council of the Supreme Court of Justice for administrative responsibility assessment.

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I believe it is improbable for individuals outside the institution to enter the place where the weapon that disappeared was located; I cannot venture to say it is a case of an unfaithful official but rather of serious negligence.