Argentine authorities have thwarted a sinister plot against former Manchester United star Angel Di Maria.
Angel Di Maria a 138-cap Argentina international and World Cup winner reportedly, received a threatening message at his family residence in Rosario.
The ominous note warned against his return to the city and even targeted his family’s safety, igniting concerns among local authorities.
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The shocking development comes in the wake of Di Maria expressing his desire to conclude his career at his childhood club, Rosario Central.
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Amid the threats, law enforcement executed a swift operation resulting in the arrest of three individuals and the possession of a 22 Bersa pistol along with Class A narcotics.
Police investigation
Argentina’s Security Minister Patricia Bullrich commended the diligent efforts of the authorities, stating, as reported by the Sun, “Great work by the federal prosecutor Javier Arzubi and Pablo Socca, from the Santa Fe Public Prosecutor’s Office, who enabled us to obtain the information on the person behind the threats.”
She emphasized their commitment to combating crime, “We go after mafias, drug traffickers, and extortion to bring security to the people of Rosario and all Argentines.”
The arrests unfolded swiftly after Pablo Acotto, the main suspect, was apprehended as he attempted to flee Di Maria’s hometown of Rosario.
Bullrich detailed, “Pablo Acotto, who was being investigated for drug trafficking, confessed in wiretaps to being the author and accomplices Sara Belen Gutierrez and Gabriel Ismael Pastore were arrested by the Argentine Federal Police and the Santa Fe Police when they were planning on escaping their home.”
Public prosecutor Pablo Socca underscored the gravity of the situation: “We have to look into what motivated the threat, which could lead us to the ideologist, but it’s something we prefer to keep back at the moment to protect our investigation.”
He reassured the public of their commitment to unravelling the motives behind the threats and ensuring the safety of all citizens.