Peru police have arrested “Pequeño J”—identified as Tony Janzen Valverde Victoriano (20)—the alleged mastermind behind a triple murder that shocked Argentina after parts of the attack were reportedly live-streamed to a private group.
The capture in Pucusana, a coastal district south of Lima, follows coordinated work between Peruvian authorities and Buenos Aires Province Police, and marks a major turn in a binational investigation into organized crime.
What Happened
On September 19, 2025, three young women—Morena Verdi (20), Brenda del Castillo (20) and Lara Gutiérrez (15)—vanished from the Buenos Aires area.
Days later, their bodies were found in a residence in Florencio Varela, intensifying public outrage across Argentina.
Investigators say the killings were carried out with extreme violence and that parts of the torture and murders were broadcast live to a restricted audience as an intimidation tactic linked to drug-gang retaliation.
How The Arrest Unfolded
Peru’s Anti-Drug Directorate detained “Pequeño J” in Pucusana during a targeted operation.
Authorities also arrested his alleged close associate, Matías Agustín Ozorio, in Peru the same day.
Both were the subject of international alerts, and officials indicate that expedited extradition to Argentina is expected, pending judicial procedures.
In post-arrest remarks, Valverde Victoriano denied involvement, statements that will be tested in court.
Who Is ‘Pequeño J’?
According to investigators, the suspect is a Peruvian national accused of directing a narcotics-linked crew with ties to Buenos Aires’ Zavaleta zone.
Argentine officials describe him as the “intellectual author” of the triple femicide, allegedly ordering and coordinating the attack.
The case has galvanized calls in both countries for tougher action against transnational narco-violence, especially where social media is weaponized to terrorize rivals and communities.
Key Details At A Glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Primary Suspect | “Pequeño J” (Tony Janzen Valverde Victoriano) |
| Age/Nationality | 20, Peruvian |
| Alleged Role | Mastermind/intellectual author of the triple murder |
| Arrest Site | Pucusana, Peru |
| Co-Arrestee | Matías Agustín Ozorio (alleged associate) |
| Victims | Morena Verdi (20), Brenda del Castillo (20), Lara Gutiérrez (15) |
| Crime Location | Florencio Varela, Buenos Aires Province |
| Modus Operandi | Attack partially live-streamed to a private group |
| Motive (Alleged) | Organized-crime retaliation linked to drug activity |
| Next Steps | Extradition proceedings to Argentina; ongoing investigation |
Why This Case Matters
The arrest underscores how cross-border policing and digital forensics are increasingly central to dismantling organized crime networks.
Investigators are tracing device logs, messaging groups, and financial flows to map the chain of command and identify additional accomplices.
The case has prompted renewed debate on platform accountability, privacy controls, and the need to detect and remove violent content before it spreads.
What Comes Next
Prosecutors in Argentina are preparing aggravated homicide and gender-based violence charges that could carry the maximum penalties under law.
Peruvian and Argentine authorities are coordinating to finalize extradition so that both “Pequeño J” and Ozorio can face questioning and trial in Buenos Aires.
Officials say more arrests are possible as they follow digital evidence and witness statements tied to the network’s activities.
The capture of “Pequeño J” in Peru represents a decisive milestone in a case that has horrified the region and spotlighted the intersections of gang violence and social media.
With extradition pending and investigators pursuing additional leads, attention turns to the courts—where the live-streamed brutality, the organized-crime links, and the alleged role of the mastermind will be scrutinized in full.
