The Dark Web of Crime: How Newell’s Bar and Los Monos Gang Are Entangled in Rosario’s Underworld
In January 2024, Alejandro Ficcadenti, a key figure in the violent wing of Newell’s bar, visited the leader of the notorious Los Monos gang, Máximo “Guille” Cantero, twice in Marcos Paz prison. The first visit occurred on January 20 at 9:53 a.m., with ficcadenti returning two days later. While the exact content of their conversations remains unknown,prosecutors speculate that the meetings revolved around criminal projects,including threats against Argentine soccer star Ángel Di María.
Ficcadenti,nicknamed “Rengo,” orchestrated a chilling intimidation campaign against Di María during his visit to Rosario. In March 2024, a pig’s head with a bullet on top was left at the office of Di María’s sister’s estate.The goal? To dissuade the player from returning to Rosario Central. The plan succeeded, marking another victory for the barrabrava’s violent tactics.
The Kidnapping of Gastón Tallone
Table of Contents
- The shadow of Los Monos: How a Barra Brava’s influence Shaped Rosario’s Football Scene
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- The Rise of Guille Cantero and Los Monos
- The Role of Diego Cantero and the “Official” Department
- Threats,Violence,and the Ángel Di María Incident
- Tensions with Newell’s Old Boys
- Raids and Arrests
- Key Figures and Their Roles
- The Broader Impact
- Key Events in the Conflict
- Internal Conflicts and Power Struggles
- The broader Implications for Rosario’s Football Scene
- Efforts to Combat Organized Crime in Football
- Looking Ahead
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The investigation led by prosecutors Franco Carbone and Pablo Socca uncovered a deeper layer of criminal activity. Wiretaps and expert reports revealed Ficcadenti’s involvement in the kidnapping of Gastón Tallone, a businessman from Concepción del Uruguay who has been missing since July 8. Alongside Sergio Gabriel “Bebe” Di Vanni, Ficcadenti allegedly played a key role in the abduction. The case was handed to federal judge Pablo Seró, who ordered the arrest of both men.
The tragic death of the judge overseeing the case, who fell from a building under suspicious circumstances, has further spotlighted the region’s ties to organized crime.The Los Monos gang, already infamous for its drug trafficking operations, is now linked to high-profile crimes, including the disappearance of Tallone.
The Drug Trafficking Connection
The investigation also uncovered ties to Gustavo Juliá, a convicted drug trafficker sentenced in 2011 for smuggling 944 kilograms of cocaine to Spain on a private plane. Juliá’s involvement in the case highlights the intersection of barrabrava violence and international drug trafficking networks.
The Cantero Family’s Shadow
The case took another twist with the arrest of Diego Gabriel Cantero, Guille Cantero’s cousin—or rather, his brother. Due to legal complications, Diego was registered as the son of Guille’s uncle, Ariel ”Viejo” Cantero, who has been incarcerated for years. Diego was arrested by the Airport Security Police (PSA) on December 27, 2024. Shockingly, Diego had visited Guille 17 times in Marcos Paz prison without raising any red flags, exposing meaningful failures in the penitentiary system.
A Scheme of Shadows
The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern: as federal prisons tightened conditions for high-profile inmates, the value of being free and avoiding court proceedings skyrocketed. Young individuals like Diego Cantero, who operate under the radar, have become key players in this shadowy system.
Key Figures and Events
| Name | Role | Key Details |
|————————-|—————————————|———————————————————————————|
| Alejandro Ficcadenti | Leader of Newell’s bar | Organized threats against Ángel Di María; linked to Tallone’s kidnapping. |
| Máximo “Guille” Cantero | Leader of Los Monos gang | Met with Ficcadenti in prison; central figure in criminal operations.|
| Diego Gabriel Cantero | Guille’s brother (registered as cousin)| Arrested by PSA; visited guille 17 times in prison. |
| Gustavo Juliá | Convicted drug trafficker | Linked to the case; sentenced for trafficking 944 kg of cocaine to Spain.|
Conclusion
the entanglement of Newell’s bar and the Los Monos gang underscores the deep-rooted connections between organized crime, drug trafficking, and barrabrava violence in Rosario. As prosecutors continue to unravel this complex web,the case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing law enforcement in combating these intertwined criminal networks.
For more insights into the ongoing investigation, explore the detailed reports by La Nación and Infobae.
The shadow of Los Monos: How a Barra Brava’s influence Shaped Rosario’s Football Scene
In the heart of Rosario, Argentina, the influence of organized crime and football fan groups, known as barras bravas, has long been intertwined. At the center of this complex web is Ariel “Guille” Cantero, the alleged leader of the infamous Los Monos gang. recent investigations have shed light on how Cantero and his associates allegedly manipulated the city’s football scene,using violence,intimidation,and illegal activities to maintain control over fan groups and their lucrative operations.
The Rise of Guille Cantero and Los Monos
Guille Cantero, often referred to as the “leader of Los Monos,” has been accused of orchestrating a vast network of illegal activities under the guise of managing football fan groups. According to prosecutors Carbone and Adrián Spelta, Cantero’s role was to appoint leaders and agents of the paravalanches—fan groups responsible for managing funds raised through various activities. These activities reportedly included everything from ticket sales to organizing events, with a significant portion of the profits allegedly funneled back to Cantero and his associates.
The influence of Los Monos was not limited to the shadows. A massive banner displayed during the farewell match of Maximiliano Rodríguez in June 2023 bore the phrase, “We are more than everyone,” a clear nod to Cantero’s dominance.This public display of power underscored the gang’s deep entrenchment in Rosario’s football culture.
The Role of Diego Cantero and the “Official” Department
Diego Cantero, Guille’s brother and a rapper, has also been implicated in the group’s operations. Prosecutors allege that Diego was responsible for communicating the gang’s directives, frequently enough using social media to disseminate mafia-like messages. His role extended to managing the “official” department of the fan group, led by Leandro “Pollo” Vinardi and his partner, Sabrina Ivana Barrías.
Vinardi, described as a manager within the group, allegedly delegated tasks to Barrías, who was arrested on August 2, 2023. The pair reportedly communicated via a landline in Vinardi’s cell block at Ezeiza prison,highlighting the lengths to which the group whent to maintain its operations.
Threats,Violence,and the Ángel Di María Incident
The influence of Los Monos extended beyond financial control. The group has been linked to threats against prominent footballers, including Ángel Di María. According to prosecutors, Sergio Gabriel “Bebe” Di Vanni, a key member of the dissident faction, played a pivotal role in the threats that ultimately led Di María to abandon plans to return to Rosario Central.
The dissident faction, led by Ficcadenti, had attempted to take over the paravalanches with Guille Cantero’s permission. However, internal conflicts and power struggles reportedly led to chaos, with Cantero eventually consolidating control over the “official” department.
Tensions with Newell’s Old Boys
The relationship between Los Monos and Newell’s Old Boys,one of Rosario’s most prominent football clubs,has been fraught with tension. According to Ignacio Astore,the club’s president,the rift began when the management refused to grant the barra brava permission to use the covered stadium for electronic parties. This decision reportedly led to a personal disagreement within the club, escalating into an attack on the Rosario private Hospital (HPR), where Astore works.
Raids and Arrests
Recent raids targeting Newell’s barra brava uncovered a trove of evidence, including club shirts and other paraphernalia. These operations have led to the arrest of several key figures, including Oscar “Torrasa” Mauro and Antonio “Chinchu” Mauro, while Marcelo “Colo” Rubattino remains at large.
Key Figures and Their Roles
| Name | Role | Status |
|————————-|———————————————–|————————–|
| ariel “Guille” Cantero | Leader of Los Monos | Under Investigation |
| Diego Cantero | Communicator and Rapper | Accused |
| Leandro “Pollo” vinardi | Manager of the “Official” Department | Imprisoned |
| Sabrina Ivana Barrías | Vinardi’s Partner | Arrested (August 2023) |
| Sergio “Bebe” Di Vanni | Key member of Dissident Faction | Under Investigation |
| Marcelo “Colo” Rubattino| Fugitive Member | At Large |
The Broader Impact
The influence of Los Monos and its barra brava affiliates has had a profound impact on Rosario’s football scene.From threats against players to violent clashes and financial exploitation, the group’s activities have cast a long shadow over the sport.As investigations continue, the full extent of their operations—and the measures needed to dismantle them—remains to be seen.
For more updates on this developing story,follow our coverage and share your thoughts on how football clubs can combat the influence of organized crime.—
This article is based on exclusive information from the original source. For further reading, explore the latest developments in Rosario’s football scene and the ongoing efforts to address barra brava influence.Tensions rise as Club Leadership and Bar Groups Clash Over Ticket Distribution
In a dramatic turn of events, a conflict between club leadership and bar groups has escalated, leading to accusations of favoritism, property damage, and a tense standoff over ticket distribution. The situation unfolded on July 22, ahead of a match against Independiente de Rivadavia, when the leadership allocated 1,700 tickets to a dissident group led by Ficcadenti. This move was perceived by fans in the stands as a “kidnapping” of the club’s loyalty, sparking outrage and further deepening the rift between the factions.
According to the Prosecutor’s Office,the situation took a turn when “after an exchange of messages and phone calls,” Ficcadenti returned the tickets,which were eventually managed by Lucho Gallardo. Though, the fallout from this decision was far from over. María Fernanda Corte, a club member who acted as a mediator between the leadership and the bar groups, saw her house burned in what appears to be a retaliatory act.
The conflict began earlier when Vinardi, a key figure in the dispute, approached Astore with demands for a covered stadium, t-shirts, and money. Astore recounted, “I couldn’t refuse,” highlighting the pressure faced by those caught in the middle of the escalating tensions. Vinardi urged Astore to “think about it calmly and handle it with Lucho,” underscoring the delicate nature of the negotiations.
Key Events in the Conflict
| Event | Details |
|————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Ticket Allocation | 1,700 tickets given to Ficcadenti’s dissident group,seen as a ”kidnapping.”|
| Mediation Efforts | María Fernanda Corte mediates between leadership and bar groups. |
| Retaliatory Act | Corte’s house burned amid escalating tensions. |
| Resolution | Ficcadenti returns tickets after communication with Prosecutor’s Office. |
The incident has raised questions about the club’s internal governance and the influence of bar groups on decision-making.The burning of Corte’s house serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes involved in these disputes, where loyalty and power frequently enough collide with devastating consequences.
As the club navigates this turbulent period, the role of mediators like corte and the leadership’s ability to balance competing interests will be critical in restoring stability. The events of July 22 have left an indelible mark on the club’s history, highlighting the challenges of managing fan expectations and maintaining unity in the face of internal strife.For more insights into effective reporting and journalistic standards, explore resources like the ThoughtCo guide on writing news articles or the BBC News style guide. These tools can definitely help journalists navigate complex narratives while maintaining accuracy and impartiality.The story of this conflict is far from over, and its resolution will likely shape the future of the club and its relationship with its most passionate supporters. Stay tuned for updates as this situation continues to unfold.
Popular stands as a betrayal, sparking outrage and accusations of favoritism.
The dissident group,which had been attempting to gain control over the *paravalanches* (fan groups responsible for managing funds and organizing activities),allegedly received the tickets with Guille Cantero’s approval. this decision further deepened the rift between the “official” department, led by Leandro “Pollo” Vinardi, and the dissident faction.
The tension reached a boiling point when fans in the popular stands discovered that the tickets had been distributed to the dissident group. This led to protests, with some fans accusing the club leadership of undermining the conventional fan base in favor of a group aligned with los Monos. The situation escalated into property damage, with reports of broken seats and vandalism in the stadium.
Internal Conflicts and Power Struggles
The conflict over ticket distribution is just one example of the internal power struggles that have plagued Rosario’s football scene. The “official” department, led by Vinardi and his partner Sabrina Ivana Barrías, has been at odds with the dissident faction, which includes key figures like Sergio “Bebe” Di Vanni.
According to prosecutors, the dissident faction attempted to take over the *paravalanches* with Guille Cantero’s backing. Though, the move was met with resistance from the “official” department, leading to chaos and further entrenching Cantero’s control over the fan groups.
The power struggles have not onyl disrupted the operations of the fan groups but have also created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.Threats against players, club officials, and even rival factions have become commonplace, further complicating efforts to restore order.
The broader Implications for Rosario’s Football Scene
The ongoing conflict between club leadership, fan groups, and organized crime has had far-reaching consequences for Rosario’s football scene. The influence of Los Monos and its barra brava affiliates has not only undermined the integrity of the sport but has also created a climate of fear and violence.
players, club officials, and fans alike have been caught in the crossfire, with threats and acts of violence becoming increasingly common. The situation has also raised concerns about the financial exploitation of fan groups, with allegations that a significant portion of the profits from ticket sales and other activities are being funneled back to organized crime.
Efforts to Combat Organized Crime in Football
In response to the growing influence of organized crime in football, authorities have launched a series of raids and investigations targeting key figures in the barra brava and their associates. These efforts have led to the arrest of several high-profile individuals, including Sabrina Ivana Barrías and Leandro “Pollo” Vinardi.
However, the fight against organized crime in football is far from over. With key figures like Marcelo ”Colo” Rubattino still at large and the influence of Los Monos deeply entrenched, dismantling the network will require a coordinated effort from law enforcement, club leadership, and the broader football community.
Looking Ahead
As investigations continue, the full extent of Los monos’ operations and their impact on Rosario’s football scene remains to be seen. The ongoing conflict between club leadership and fan groups, coupled with the influence of organized crime, has created a complex and volatile situation that will require sustained efforts to resolve.
For now, the focus remains on addressing the immediate threats and restoring order to the football scene. However, the broader challenge of combating organized crime and ensuring the integrity of the sport will require long-term solutions and a commitment from all stakeholders.
This article is based on exclusive data from the original source. For further reading, explore the latest developments in Rosario’s football scene and the ongoing efforts to address barra brava influence.
