A Canadian entrepreneur has been arrested in Colombia for the shocking kidnapping and torture of a 13-year-old Indigenous girl.
Cops say Andy Asselin, 29, the owner of a hostel, was busted at the Cartagena Airport as he tried to flee the country. He is now in detention and detectives are investigating.
“The detention was achieved during a routine procedure carried out at a control post installed by the tourism police,” the Prosecutor’s Office said in a statement.
“During the routine procedures, the officers noticed the existence of a blue notice and a capture order issued by Interpol against Asselin.”
According to Colombian media reports, the case stretches back to April 26, 2024, when the Canadian accused the 13-year-old girl of stealing items from the hostel.
The teen was tied by her feet and hands after Asselin allegedly forced the girl into one of the rooms on the property. Physical evidence suggested she was held against her will and mistreated.
In Santa Marta where Asselin — believed to be from Ontario — owns the Chill Inn Spot hostel, local residents were outraged.
“Foreigners continue to cause pain and suffering in Colombia,” one local wrote on Facebook. “We are grateful for the local authorities and the bravery of the survivor to ensure that this evil man was held accountable.”
Asselin promoted the inn on social media highlighting activities such as spearfishing, motorcycling and excursions around the area.
Local reports said the hostel opened in May 2022.
Asselin boasted on his website: “We have many contacts in town to organize your next excursion in Taganga, whether you are interested in hiking, exploring rivers and waterfalls, enjoying dinners in restaurants, going out at night, practicing water sports, diving, renting a motorcycle or a boat to explore the stunning Taganga area.”
Asselin added that he was “enchanted” by the region and decided to purchase the hostel, which offered a cannabis-friendly vibe.
According to cops, Asselin may have had an accomplice in the abuse. That individual’s identity remains confidential while police conduct their investigation.
At his arraignment hearing, the Prosecutor’s Office accused Asselin of the crime of aggravated simple kidnapping, an accusation the accused did not accept. Because of the flight risk, Asselin was detained.
The investigation could broaden with the Chill Inn Spot hostel itself being probed.
In addition to the incident with the young girl, investigators are looking into what kind of relationship Asselin may have had with other children who frequented the property.
His social media accounts are now being scrutinized. Cops say they have found posts in which he appears alongside a minor, raising additional questions.
None of the charges have been proven in court and Asselin is presumed innocent.