Kidnap of Pablo Escobar’s brother thwarted

Colombia nws - Roberto Escobar

A group of criminals in Medellin attempted to kidnap Roberto Escobar Gaviria, alias “El Osito,” the brother of the late drug lord Pablo Escobar, reports El Espectador.

The attempted kidnapping took place in the Las Palmas neighborhood in the east of Medellin, but was thwarted by police.

According to Caracol Radio, there was an exchange of gunfire, resulting in the injury of one of the alleged criminals. Two other assailants were detained.

Police report that a vehicle and two firearms were seized.

In 2009 Roberto Escobar published a widely-publicised book about his brother’s criminal activities called “The accountant’s story: Inside the violent world of the Medellin cartel.” Escobar also takes part in a “Pablo Escobar tour,” in which tourists can visit his house and ask him questions.

Read Colombia Reports’ interview with Roberto Escobar here.

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