Photo credit: www.bbc.com

Gang Leader in Argentina Shot Near Stadium

The head of a prominent football hooligan group in Argentina was shot and killed close to his club’s stadium in the city of Rosario. Andrés Bracamonte, also known as Pillín, had a notorious reputation as the leader of the Rosario Central supporters, a position he maintained for over two decades.

Bracamonte and his second-in-command, Daniel “Rana” Atardo, were attacked by a motorcyclist only four blocks away from the Gigante de Arroyito stadium on Saturday. The timing of the incident followed a league match involving Rosario Central, although Bracamonte was absent from the game due to a ban placed on him following previous violent encounters with rival groups.

As reported, Bracamonte had faced various legal issues, including accusations of money laundering and extortion, which contributed to his exclusion from matches. Following the shooting, both individuals were rushed to Centenario Hospital, where medical personnel were unable to revive them.

The murder of Bracamonte has been interpreted by many in the media as a potential retaliation within the criminal underworld. Reports indicate that he had a long history with law enforcement and was frequently targeted in violent incidents. Notably, in August of the previous year, he survived an attack that left him with a bullet graze on his back, an incident that also injured his partner.

At the age of 52, Bracamonte had alleged ties to a notorious drug cartel known as Los Monos, which has further complicated his legal standing and ongoing investigations related to financial crimes. This assassination adds to the string of violent events linked to football hooliganism and organized crime in Argentina, raising concerns about safety and the influence of such groups within local communities.

Source
www.bbc.com