Triple crime of Florencio Varela
2025 killings in Argentina
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On 19 September 2025, a triple murder of two young women and an adolescent girl took place in the city of Florencio Varela, outside of Buenos Aires, Argentina. The victims were livestreamed and tortured before they were killed. The discovery of the murders, which was linked to an international drug trafficking gang, provoked protests around the country.
Background
Murders
In the house the three women were tortured and killed;[8] they were beaten, their fingernails were extracted and parts of their bodies amputated, and they were suffocated.[3][9] Authorities say that many parts of the torture were livestreamed on Instagram and TikTok, to an exclusive audience of 45 people.[2][4][7][10][11] Meta, the owners of Instagram, has stated that there is no proof the livestream took place on its platform.[2][3][4]
Investigation
The three dismembered bodies were discovered on 24 September 2025 in the backyard of a house in Florencio Varela.[6][9] The bodies were discovered by tracing the women's cellphone signals;[9][11] the livestream was revealed under questioning of a suspect.[5] Authorities say the murder was meant to send a message of fear, as a gang leader is heard saying, "This is what happens to those who steal drugs from me."[4][5] Police say one of the women allegedly stole a small package of drugs.[6][8] As of 29 September the police had arrested six[10] suspects, but reports say the mastermind of the murder, a Peruvian national, is still free.[5][6][11]
On 1 October 2025, it was reported that Argentina police, suspect that a man by the name Tony Janzen Valverde Victoriano, also known as "Little J", is the mastermind behind the triple murder.[12][13] Peruvian police reported they have arrested him along with his right hand man, in two separate operations.[12][13]
Public reaction
As the case became public, protests began, especially in Buenos Aires,[7] where there were clashes with police.[3] Marchers displayed the victims' names and photos, demanding justice and protection for women. Families, women's groups, and human rights activists denounced drug violence and femicide.[3][4][7]