'La Abuela', leader of pimps who sold her 13-year-old granddaughter, arrested

On the morning of Tuesday, July 22nd, the city of Barranquilla, Colombia, woke up to news that provoked outrage and grief throughout the community, especially in the Sourdis neighborhood, located in the southwestern part of the city. The arrest of a 55-year-old woman, known to residents as "La Abuela," profoundly impacted the community and caused widespread social unrest.

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The operation was led by the Basic Criminal Investigation Unit of the Protection and Special Services Section, with the support of the Technical Investigation Corps (CTI). After four months of in-depth investigation, authorities arrested the woman at her home located at 85th Street and 9L Avenue. This case uncovers one of the most atrocious incidents of child sexual exploitation documented in the Colombian Caribbean in recent years.

Initial investigations show that "La Abuela" acted as the leader of a family-run sexual exploitation network. The investigation gathered tangible and documentary evidence indicating that, using her role as grandmother, she made sexual advances toward her 13-year-old granddaughter. Witness testimony indicates that the woman allegedly received sums of money estimated at around one million Colombian pesos for each meeting with a university professor.

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The first person arrested was the teacher, who was imprisoned after the accusation was confirmed. The involvement of the doctors who treated the victim was crucial, as they identified a sexually transmitted infection, which raised alarm bells and led authorities to investigate the family in depth. It was discovered that the minor had not only suffered external abuse but also betrayal within her family.

The operation was based on monitoring phone calls, text messages, and statements from local residents who reported suspicious activity at the woman's home. Between December 2024 and February 2025, the girl allegedly suffered repeated abuse under the watchful eye of her grandmother, who received money for each encounter.

Sources close to the case indicate that the girl was quickly transferred to a medical facility after exhibiting health problems, possibly due to an infection. There, specialists implemented the child protection protocol and notified authorities. The investigation led to the capture of "La Abuela."

The defendant will face charges of aggravated pimping of a minor, aggravated violent sexual assault, and commercial sexual exploitation of minors. Currently, "The Grandmother" is in the custody of the District Attorney's Office, facing a trial seeking justice for the minor and the protection of the community.