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Peru Police Arrest Fugitive Vilma Zeña in 2017 Nicolini Fire Labor-Exploitation Case

Investigators say a human source led them to a rooftop in San Martín de Porres.

Overview

  • Police detained Zeña between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. on January 20 at a four-story multifamily building on block 24 of Avenida Perú.
  • She holds a 32-year prison sentence for exploitation and slavery linked to the deaths of two young workers locked in a container during the 2017 fire, a ruling upheld in second instance.
  • Zeña had been a fugitive since 2018 and was on the Interior Ministry’s most-wanted list with a S/50,000 reward posted for information.
  • Following her arrest, authorities placed her with the Policía Judicial de Requisitorias to notify the corresponding judge and advance procedures.
  • In brief remarks after capture, she denied responsibility, called the fire fortuitous, and said she was absent because she was pregnant and on rest.