A Colombian pastor detained in Argentina faces charges in Paraguay for alleged sexual abuse of four adult male victims.

Luis Álvarez, a 42-year-old Colombian pastor and doctor, was detained in Argentina after being indicted by Paraguayan prosecutor Aldo Cantero for alleged sexual harassment and sexual abuse of defenseless persons. The indictment names four adult male victims, with crimes reportedly occurring in both Paraguay and Colombia. Álvarez appeared before Judge Lici Teresita Sánchez on September 11, 2026, during his initial court appearance.

The case was brought forward by attorney Carlos Servín, who stated that the victims are all adults and that the alleged crimes took place in multiple locations. Álvarez was detained at Buenos Aires airport while en route to Guatemala. The prosecutor alleges that Álvarez, in his capacity as a doctor, touched three of the victims during medical examinations, including one who was treated for a traffic accident. The indictment claims that Álvarez sedated some victims to facilitate sexual acts.

The prosecutor also alleges that Álvarez provided personal and marital guidance to young people, using this relationship to gain their trust. This dynamic is said to have enabled him to exploit vulnerable individuals. Additionally, during a congress in Colombia last August, Álvarez allegedly administered medication to a fourth victim to induce drowsiness, thereby preventing the victim from resisting sexual acts.

Prosecutor Aldo Cantero emphasized that while some of the alleged incidents occurred outside Paraguayan territory, the indictment focuses on acts that fall under Paraguayan penal jurisdiction. He clarified that the prosecutor does not automatically extend Paraguayan law to acts occurring abroad, stating that jurisdictional determination is a separate legal process. The case highlights the complexities of cross-border legal accountability and the challenges of prosecuting crimes that span multiple jurisdictions.

Source: Read the original report (translated from Spanish)