News

Leader of the Lafkenche Mapuche Resistance (RML) Arrested in Major Police Operation in Pocuno

Sponsors

The Investigative Police (PDI) arrested early this morningFederico Astete Catrileo, identified as the leader of the radical Mapuche organizationLafkenche Mapuche Resistance(RML). The operation took place in the rural town of Pocuno, 30 kilometers south of Cañete, in the Arauco province.

The arrest was carried out following an outstanding warrant issued in January 2024. At that time, the individual managed to evade an operation in which three members of his group, including his partnerClaudia Nahuelan, were captured.

Astete Catrileo is accused of being the leader of the group linked to violent attacks in the Bío Bío region, including theassault on the Grollmus Millon August 29, 2022, in the commune of Contulmo. This brutal incident lefttwo people seriously injured, one of whom suffered a leg amputation, and caused irreparable damage to the historic facility.

According to information gathered by Radio Bío Bío in the Arauco province, the arrest took place in a house located on his parents' property. Astete, identified as "the number one of the RML," was actively sought for his alleged involvement in multiple violent crimes in the Southern Macrozone.

The operation was part of a coordinated effort in recent hours by the Public Prosecutor's Office and the PDI's Anti-Kidnapping Brigade (BIPE).

Astete, known for his knowledge of the terrain, had evaded multiple previous operations. He even managed to escape in January 2024 from a police raid after detecting officers during the operation that ended with the arrest of his partner, who is currently in pretrial detention.

During the raid, unspecified items allegedly linked to RML activities were seized. No additional arrests were reported, and authorities confirmed the arrest was carried out without resistance.

It is worth noting that with this arrest, the RML leadership is believed to be dismantled, as 16 other members remain in pretrial detention for their alleged involvement in the Grollmus Mill attack.

As such, the detention hearing and potential formal charges against Astete are expected to take place today at the Cañete Guarantee Court.

Source:BiobioChile