Argentine army officer found hiding in a cupboard and arrested for kidnap, torture and murder

A high-ranking officer in the Argentinian Army who has been on the run has been arrested after he was found hiding in a cupboard.

Lt Col Carlos Cialceta, who was wanted for human rights violations, had been on the run for seven months before his arrest.   

The Argentine top brass was accused of kidnap, torture and murder of a political activist dating back in 1976 and had been serving with the 28th Mountain Infantry regiment at the time.

Federal Judge Mariela Giménez granted a warrant for his arrest in earlier this year in April.

Police officers swooped on an address in Salta, Argentina, after receiving a tip-off that he was staying there.

Lt Col Cialceta’s partner had previously said the retired officer didn’t live at the address, but after using surveillance and wire-tapping they became aware that he was.

Argentina’s Minister of Security Anibal Fernandez said: ‘Gendarmería stopped a fugitive repressor.

‘Carlos Cialceta, retired Army Lieutenant Colonel, with an international arrest warrant since April 12, 2021, prosecuted for kidnapping, torture and murder in 1976.

Cialceta had been on the run for seven months after a judge issued a warrant for his arrest. His partner had previously told officers he was not staying at the property in which he was found by police

‘While serving in the Monte 28 Infantry Regiment, Tartagal.

‘The fugitive was hidden in the closet of the raided house, he was arrested after field work and wiretapping.

‘It is available to the judge.’

Lt Col Cialceta remains in custody. 

Cialceta is accused of the kidnap, torture and murder of political activist Jorge René Santillán on August 10, 1976.

Five hooded men broke into Santillán’s home in General Mosconi and kidnapped him, before his body was later found 20Km away.

Experts claim that Santillán had been subjected to an unknown type of explosion.