Decisive operation uncovers a structured cattle theft network in Corrientes with political connections

A combined operation with six judicial raids successfully dismantled a complex organization involved in cattle theft in Corrientes Province. The investigation, which lasted several weeks, recovered approximately 250 head of livestock, including cows, steers, and calves, resulting from a criminal scheme that affected around 45 regional agricultural producers.

What initially appeared to be an isolated case — the interception of a truck carrying twenty head of livestock with irregular documentation in La Cruz — evolved into the discovery of an organization with local political reach. Judicial procedures revealed not only the criminal structure but also surprising links within municipal politics, turning this operation into a turning point for rural security in the border province.

How the criminal network operated

The criminal machinery operated with a systematic and well-defined pattern. According to Carlos Roldán, president of the Corrientes Rural Societies Association (ASRC), those involved leased fields in different areas of the province, transported the stolen livestock near the city, and from there directed it toward clandestine slaughterhouses operating in urban zones. This structure allowed the crime to remain hidden for months, while producers reported significant losses.

The operation carried out by authorities included both judicially authorized procedures and actions conducted with the consent of landowners where the suspects operated. This combination of strategies was key to obtaining solid evidence that allowed progress in the charges.

Arrests and suspects

The judicial actions resulted in three individuals being placed in preventive detention. The driver of the truck intercepted in the early days of the operation, identified as Eulogio Manuel Monzón, was apprehended in flagrante for aggravated cattle theft. The same happened to Carlos Alberto Meneses, who accompanied the driver and apparently participated in leasing the fields where the stolen livestock was accumulated.

Wesfalio Joel Leiva was detained at his property when authorities found animals from thefts. His arrest was based on charges of malicious reception of stolen livestock.

The investigation also identified Manuel Galeano, who is currently a fugitive with an active arrest warrant. Additionally, the operation included two women under investigation: one identified as María Delia Acuña, councilor of La Cruz affiliated with the Liberal Encounter Party (ELI), who is believed to be Meneses’ wife. The Prosecutor’s Office clarified that both women were notified of their status as under investigation, although they have not yet received formal charges.

Agricultural and institutional impact

The operation directly benefited producers who had suffered losses in recent months. Roldán confirmed that forensic reports have concluded and the process of livestock restitution has begun. The markings on the recovered animals are distributed among rural societies so that the affected individuals can identify and retrieve their animals.

Regarding institutional consequences, the Public Ministry — through the Minister of the Superior Court of Justice of Corrientes, Eduardo Panseri — issued a call to establish a specialized rural prosecutor’s office in Paso de los Libres, with jurisdiction over three critical municipalities: Paso de los Libres, La Cruz, and Bompland. This measure responded to longstanding demands from the agricultural sector to strengthen response capacity in border areas particularly vulnerable to livestock theft.

Coordinated response from the provincial government

The provincial government showed direct involvement in the operation and its aftermath. Governor Juan Pablo Valdés held a working meeting with rural leaders, along with Security Minister Adán Gaya, Production Minister Walter Chávez, and the provincial Viality Inspector Luis Pablo Cardozo. The rural representatives highlighted the government’s willingness to lead actions against these crimes.

Additionally, the ASRC coordinated meetings with national Security Ministry authorities to develop security strategies in the border zone. Gendarmerie and Prefecture forces were called upon to reinforce controls along the Uruguay River coast and at crossing points into Brazil.

Future prospects and escalation of actions

The operation that dismantled this network has the potential to be replicated in other problematic areas of the province. Rural leaders hope that the results will create a multiplier effect in municipalities such as Alvear, Santo Tomé, Paso de los Libres, and Bompland, where cattle theft is even more critical than in La Cruz.

A meeting between representatives of the agricultural sector and the Public Ministry remains pending, so prosecutors can directly understand the scope of the issues faced by producers across Corrientes’ departments. The operation and the ongoing judicial investigation set a hopeful precedent for rural security in the province.