A judge of control of guarantees in Colombia ordered 29-year-old Canadian citizen, identified as Andy Asselin, to remain in preventive detention while investigations continued into an alleged kidnapping and torture of a 13-year-old girl. The decision followed evidence presented during a hearing.
Asselin was arrested at Cartagena’s transport terminal. “The detention was achieved during a routine procedure carried out at a control post installed by the tourism police,” wrote the Prosecutor’s Office, according to Semana. Officials proceeded with additional checks. “During the routine procedures, the officers noticed the existence of a blue notice and a capture order issued by Interpol against Asselin,” continued the Prosecutor’s Office, also according to Semana. Authorities confirmed a valid arrest warrant and then detained him.
Reports indicated that details of the case dated back to April 26, 2024, when the 13-year-old girl was allegedly locked up after being tied by her feet and hands. Investigators believed the motive stemmed from the claim that the teenager took items without permission from the hostel where Asselin was the owner. Sources said Asselin took the girl by force into one of the rooms on the property. Physical evidence suggested she was held against her will and mistreated. Asselin was charged with aggravated kidnapping, a charge he denied in court.
Community members in Santa Marta voiced outrage upon hearing the allegations and called for strict legal consequences if proven true. Authorities urged the public to report any abusive behavior toward minors. Asselin remained in custody to await trial, maintaining his plea of innocence as proceedings advanced.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq