The shocking family betrayal that rocked the community

The kidnapping of  Yesid Evelio Quintero Isaza , a prominent businessman from Cúcuta, Santander, which initially seemed to have a happy ending, took an unexpected turn after new revelations that left the community perplexed. What began as a kidnapping case, where the victim was rescued thanks to the intervention of local authorities, became a much more complex story, involving people close to Quintero himself.

Last Wednesday, Quintero was kidnapped by criminals who demanded a large sum of money for his release. Less than 24 hours later, the Cúcuta Metropolitan Police, after a swift investigation, located and freed the businessman, bringing great relief to his family, who greeted him with tears and hugs. Images of the reunion showed the apparent joy of a family that had endured a terrible ordeal.

However, the case did not end there.  The investigations  continued, and authorities soon uncovered details that changed the course of events. According to the local newspaper La Opinión, three of Quintero’s close relatives were involved in the kidnapping: his daughter,  Yenny Paola Quintero Oyola ; his ex-wife,  Luz Mila Oyola Sepúlveda ; and his son-in-law,  Luis Arturo Rubiano .

The operation that led to Quintero’s release took place at a house on Recta Corazal, a well-known area of ​​the region. During the operation, authorities not only freed the businessman but also apprehended two of the kidnappers. However, investigators knew something was missing from the story; the captured kidnappers did not appear to be the masterminds behind the crime.

As the investigation progressed, authorities confirmed that people very close to Quintero had orchestrated the kidnapping. Arrest warrants were issued for  Yenny Paola Quintero Oyola ,  Luz Mila Oyola Sepúlveda  , and  Luis Arturo Rubiano Salcedo . Surprisingly, these same individuals who planned the kidnapping had greeted Quintero with affection after his release.

The evidence gathered was sufficient for the head of the 11th Specialized Anti-Kidnapping and Extortion Unit (Gaula) in Cúcuta to take action against those involved. The three were brought before a judge on charges of simple kidnapping. The family Quintero thought would support him in his darkest moments turned out to be the one that betrayed him in the most unimaginable way.

The kidnapping occurred as Quintero was returning home to Los Patios, a municipality near Cúcuta. At least three armed men intercepted him, while others gagged his family members before taking Quintero to an unknown location. Later, the kidnappers, in collusion with the family, demanded a large ransom for his release.

According to a report by the Peace and Reconciliation Foundation (Pares), kidnappings saw an alarming increase in 2023. That year, 343 cases were registered nationwide, a 53.8% increase compared to the previous year, complicating the “total peace” initiative promoted by President Gustavo Petro. The most affected departments include Antioquia, Norte de Santander, Valle del Cauca, Nariño, and Cauca, with the number of cases continuing to rise.

This tragic case has not only shocked the community of Cúcuta, but has also highlighted the urgent need to confront the growing threat of kidnapping in Colombia, a country struggling for peace and security for its citizens.