Rosario: 4 Arrested in Extortion Case Linked to Football Barra Brava & “Los Monos” Gang

Four Arrested in Extortion Case Involving Football Club President and Brother of Former Argentine International

Four individuals were detained Wednesday following a series of raids in Villa Gobernador Gálvez and searches within the Piñero prison, stemming from a criminal complaint alleging extortion against Diego Lavezzi, the current president of Coronel Aguirre football club and brother of former Argentine national team player, Ezequiel "Pocho" Lavezzi. The operations were primarily conducted in Villa Gobernador Gálvez by the Police Investigations (PDI) Unit for Highly Harmful Violence. Those arrested are suspected of being active members of the Coronel Aguirre barra brava – the organized supporters’ group often associated with football hooliganism.

The investigation, led by prosecutor Carla Ranciari of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, indicates the alleged extortion scheme aimed to illicitly raise funds for the barra brava. Specifically, the group is accused of falsifying match tickets and selling them at prices exceeding the official rate. They too reportedly pressured the club president to provide them with a physical space within the stadium grounds to facilitate irregular financial transactions.

Connections to Wider Criminal Networks

The investigation has revealed potential links between the Coronel Aguirre barra brava and that of Newell’s Old Boys, another prominent Rosario-based football club. Milton T. (43), one of the four individuals arrested, is reportedly involved with both supporter groups. This connection is reportedly linked to Leandro "Pollo" Vinardi, originating from Villa Gobernador Gálvez and a key figure within the Newell’s barra brava, who is currently incarcerated and operates as a close associate of Ariel Máximo "Guille" Cantero, the leader of the Los Monos gang. Rosario3.com details the previous convictions of Vinardi and others linked to Los Monos for illicit association and extortion.

Coronel Aguirre faced suspension from the Torneo Federal and the regional amateur league last year following a violent incident involving weapons and physical altercations after a match in Puerto San Martín. As a result of these sanctions, the club currently only competes in the Rosarian league.

Raids Within Piñero Prison

Simultaneously with the arrests in Villa Gobernador Gálvez, authorities conducted searches within the Piñero prison, targeting pavilions 6, 7, 10 and 26, housing inmates affiliated with Los Monos. During these searches, a smartwatch was discovered hidden inside a mattress in pavilion 6. These devices, utilizing SIM cards, are frequently used by incarcerated individuals to maintain communication and direct activities from within prison walls.

Authorities also searched the cell of Marcos Jeremías “Pato” McCaddon, a former associate of Los Monos leader Ariel Máximo “Guille” Cantero, who is implicated in drug trafficking in the industrial area and northern zone of Rosario, and previously served as a leader within the Newell’s barra brava. Rosario3.com reported on McCaddon’s conviction for narcotics trafficking in September 2023.

Evidence Seized

During the raids, police seized 21 mobile phones, approximately three kilograms of cannabis plants, 69 cartridges of various calibers, two firearms, and a quantity of counterfeit Coronel Aguirre tickets. Two motorcycles and over one million pesos in cash were confiscated. The four individuals arrested are now formally at the disposal of the Justice system and will face an arraignment hearing in the coming days on charges of extortion.

Understanding Barras Bravas and Their Role in Argentine Football

Barras bravas are a deeply ingrained, and often controversial, element of Argentine football culture. Originating in the 1960s, these organized supporter groups initially formed to provide vocal and visual support for their teams. However, over time, many barras bravas have become associated with violence, intimidation, and criminal activity.

They often operate as semi-autonomous organizations, with internal hierarchies and leadership structures. Funding for barras bravas can arrive from a variety of sources, including membership fees, the sale of merchandise, and, as alleged in this case, illicit activities such as ticket fraud and extortion.

The relationship between barras bravas and football clubs is complex. While clubs often rely on barras bravas to create an atmosphere at matches, they also struggle to control their activities and distance themselves from any criminal associations. The involvement of organized crime groups, like Los Monos, further complicates the situation, turning barras bravas into potential instruments for money laundering and other illegal operations.

The Case of Ezequiel Lavezzi’s Brother

The involvement of Diego Lavezzi, brother of former Argentine international Ezequiel "Pocho" Lavezzi, adds another layer to this case. Ezequiel Lavezzi, who played for clubs including Napoli and Paris Saint-Germain, is a well-known figure in Argentine football. His brother’s position as president of Coronel Aguirre likely made him a target for the alleged extortion scheme. Further information on Ezequiel Lavezzi’s career can be found on Wikipedia.

The investigation is ongoing, and it remains unclear what specific demands were made of Diego Lavezzi or the full extent of the barra brava’s alleged criminal activities. However, the arrests and seizures represent a significant step in addressing the issue of violence and organized crime linked to football in the Rosario region.