Theft of treasures worth $1.5 million

The farm of businessman Jorge “Beby Araúz, located in Penonomé, Cocle, has been searched for the statues, but nothing has been found so far.

The pieces Juegos de Antaño (Games of long ago) showing children at play, are valued at $1.5 million, and were stolen four weeks ago from a warehouse in Parque Omar, San Francisco that showed no signs of forced entry.

All of the sculptures had feet but did not escape without help says anti-corruption prosecutor Grisell Mojica.

Attorney General Ana Matilde Gomez, confirmed that Mojica has ordered a series of raids on businesses where the statues could have been dismembered and melted down.

La Estrella quotes a source close to the investigation, which said that others have come forward with declarations of their non-involvement including local businessman Bruno Tamburelli, who made a voluntary statement, because of strong rumors that he had received one of the statues.

Tamburelli said: “Categorically, I had nothing to do with the theft of the statues.”

The same source confirmed that the director of Parque Omar, Mingthoy Giro, who is also coordinator of the First Lady’s office, located in the Park, is among those who will have to be cleared on involvement.

Responding to a public outcry that no one responsible for the care of the statues has been suspended while the investigation is under way, Gomez says that the public should have confidence in the Public Ministry while trained investigator are trying to trace the sculptures and determine who is responsible for their abduction.

During the weekend the Judicial Investigation Department received around fourteen phone calls giving them leads about the whereabouts of the statues. The detectives are processing them.

The Judicial Investigation Department is offering a $10,000 reward to anybody who can give information.

One thing is certain; the statues did not walk out as have many escapees from La Joya prison, including four more late last week.