Police search undeveloped area for teen missing for six days in Argentina

Argentine authorities have escalated their search for 16-year-old Agostina Vega, who vanished six days ago in the city of Córdoba. This Friday, operations focused on an undeveloped area south of the city, identified as a key location due to the presence of the sole suspect shortly after Vega's disappearance.

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We have put all the resources, we are working with 150 people, two state-of-the-art drones, with tracking dogs

Over 150 personnel, along with advanced drones and tracking dogs, are involved in the extensive search. The operation also includes divers and kayaks for exploring nearby lagoons and old quarries. Córdoba's Minister of Security, Juan Pablo Quinteros, stated that "elements of proof" indicate the suspect, Claudio Barrelier, 33, was in the undeveloped area between Vega's disappearance and his arrest.

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There are elements of proof that indicate that the only suspect in the case, a known acquaintance of Vega's family, was in the undeveloped area between the minor's disappearance and his arrest

Barrelier, an acquaintance of Vega's family, was detained Wednesday after security camera footage confirmed Vega entering his residence on Saturday night. "It is proven that Agostina is the one who entered the house," the minister affirmed. The prosecutor overseeing the case, Héctor Garzón, has declared that Vega is being sought "alive or dead."

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It is proven that Agostina is the one who entered the house

This is not the first time Barrelier has faced legal scrutiny; he is also under investigation for "unlawful deprivation of liberty" in a previous case involving another woman. Meanwhile, friends, family, and neighbors of Vega have taken to the streets of Córdoba, Argentina's second-largest city, demanding her safe return.

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Agostina is being sought alive or dead