Detained Man in Tania Suárez Case Denies Kidnapping as Victim Moved to Mental Health Unit

Overview

• Néstor Maldonado, 57, remains detained and charged with unlawful deprivation of liberty after investigators traced movements through security cameras and communications data.
• The defense asserts Maldonado and Suárez had a yearslong relationship, claims the meeting and trip were consensual, and cites money transfers as proof, rejecting a kidnapping narrative.
• Suárez suffered a psychological crisis in hospital and was transferred to a mental health area, with doctors restricting visits and deferring her testimony.
• Case oversight shifted during the judicial recess to prosecutor Sabrina Ardiles, who continues forensic, digital and testimonial work under court secrecy.
• Before disappearing, Suárez sent alarming messages about her date and a suspicious drink; she was later found in La Cumbre bound and disoriented, with a broken phone lacking its SIM card.