crime
April 6, 2026
One of Barranquilla's most wanted was hiding in Manga: this is how he was caught
Brigadier General Gelver Yecid Peña Araque, commander of the Metropolitan Police of Cartagena, confirmed at a press conference on Monday morning, April 6, the judicial capture of Jesús Manuel Valdez Ortega, 25 years old, known by the alias 'El Abuelo', and accused of extortion and threats, among other crimes, in Barranquilla.
TL;DR
- Jesús Manuel Valdez Ortega, alias 'El Abuelo', was captured in Cartagena.
- He was wanted for extortion, threats, and other crimes in Barranquilla.
- Photos posted by his partner on social media during Holy Week vacation helped authorities track him down.
- 'El Abuelo' was previously arrested in 2024 for a homicide and his current freedom status is unknown.
- Authorities are investigating if he was living or just vacationing in the Cartagena apartment.