Son of convicted narco-trafficker arrested in Rosario, exposing alleged criminal ties

Authorities in Rosario, Argentina, have arrested 19-year-old Ezequiel Riquelme, the son of Francisco “Fran” Riquelme, who was recently sentenced to life imprisonment for leading a criminal association allegedly linked to Esteban Alvarado. The arrest occurred at a temporary rental apartment in a high-end complex, part of a broader operation that included nine other raids and the detention of five additional individuals.

The operation was conducted by specialized police units, with most of the actions taking place in the northwest area of the city, the known territory of the Riquelme father's organization. Prosecutors from the Unit of Highly Injurious Violence and the Unit of Micro-trafficking are leading the investigation into violent incidents and drug dealing.

Investigators reportedly view Ezequiel Riquelme as a key organizer within the illicit association, allegedly managing street-level operations for the gang. While this is a developing hypothesis, formal charges against the young man have not yet been presented in court. The investigation is exploring violent acts and micro-trafficking.

The arrest carries significant implications, suggesting both the continuation of a criminal structure recently deemed proven by the judiciary and new connections within Rosario's criminal landscape. Notably, investigators are examining links between Riquelme and the fan group, known as "barra brava," of the Rosario Central football club. Riquelme has been seen with figures like Lautaro “Laucha” Ghiselli, a former leader of the club's fan group, and Santino Alvarado, son of alleged crime boss Esteban Alvarado. Ghiselli himself is implicated in a separate organization controlling the fan base. A banner appearing on Rosario streets previously accused Gazzani and Riquelme of harming innocent people, further integrating these elements into the ongoing investigation.