Añaza Gang Members Surrender, Bringing Murder Victim's Body and Kidnapped Man

Two key members of the Añaza gang surrendered to the National Police on July 30th, bringing the body of Alberto González, whom they allegedly murdered. They also brought León, who was seriously injured after being kidnapped. The surrender occurred at the police station on Avenida Tres de Mayo in Santa Cruz de Tenerife.

The previous night, police had been searching the Añaza neighborhood, the gang's origin, for its main members. They also spread the word through the gang's contacts that the police were looking for those responsible for the disappearance of "Albertito," as González was known.

Alberto's girlfriend had filed a report, but the police became fully alerted when León's car was found with both their mobile phones inside a supermarket garage. Investigators knew that the gang, led by businessman Aarón Vargas, and González's associates had been in conflict for months, with several violent incidents. The tension had been building for weeks.

The police had hoped to rescue Albertito and León on the night of July 29th. However, an initial autopsy suggested Alberto had been dead for hours, and León had sustained severe injuries from punches and a blunt object after more than 24 hours of abuse.

Later, Moisés Baute and Jonathan Martín turned themselves in with González's body and the injured León in a car belonging to another gang member. They likely believed this would end the police investigation, but it was expanded.

"We've been analyzing information non-stop since the end of July," said the head of the Homicide Unit in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. He explained that in such a significant case, a lot of data comes from various sources, and it's crucial to identify what's relevant. All available officers, including those on leave, were recalled, and other police units, forensic science, and citizen security officers assisted.

Investigating in the Añaza neighborhood presented challenges due to the fear of retaliation from individuals like Aarón Vargas and Moisés Baute, who have a history of violence. Residents are reluctant to testify against them, adhering to an unwritten code of silence.

The inspector noted that most Añaza residents are law-abiding but afraid to cooperate with the police. Vargas and his associates have also built a network of loyalty through favors and protection, making it difficult to gather information.

Investigators have also observed a campaign on social media, like Instagram, where accounts have been created to harass and threaten Alberto González's family and witnesses. The police are trying to determine if those behind these accounts are connected to the gang.

This campaign aims to intimidate and silence potential witnesses. It's believed that González and León were lured into a trap by the Añaza gang, possibly related to drug-related robberies.

The main members of the Añaza gang have extensive criminal records, often starting in their youth, for offenses like drug trafficking, theft, assault, and illegal detention. Investigating a homicide involving experienced criminals requires different tactics than dealing with less seasoned offenders. Vargas and his associates took measures to evade capture, such as counter-surveillance and frequently changing vehicles and phones.

So far, 15 men linked to the Añaza gang have been arrested in connection with the murder and León's injuries. Eight have been remanded in custody, while two were released on bail.

Some of the arrested individuals work for Vargas's repossession company, others are nightclub bouncers, and some are unemployed. Most have prior police or criminal records, often for assault or violent robbery. The investigation involved analyzing license plates, surveillance footage, forensic data, and witness testimonies.

León, the primary witness to the events, is now in hiding in Tenerife under police protection due to serious threats. The investigation and legal proceedings are ongoing to uncover further details of the case.