key Figure in La Plata’s Union Scene Detained

Iván Tobar, a leading figure associated with the La Plata Students’ “Brave bar” and a key reference point within the UOCRA Platense, was taken into custody this morning. The arrest, executed by the Buenos Aires police, follows an order issued by Federal Judge Ernesto Kreplak.

Details of the Arrest and Charges

The arrest warrant stems from an inquiry into alleged aggravated coercive threats directed at judicial officials. Investigators are scrutinizing a video in which Tobar purportedly impersonates a rival within the UOCRA to threaten a judge and a prosecutor, possibly aiming to incriminate his adversaries. Judge Kreplak has authorized a total of seven arrests in connection with the case, with six other men allegedly under Tobar’s command also being sought. Authorities conducted 22 raids, primarily in Ensenada and Berisso, in an effort to locate the suspects.

As of dawn, only one of the wanted individuals had been apprehended. Tobar’s arrest occurred later in the morning.

Background: rivalries and Previous Accusations

Earlier this week, Tobar faced accusations related to a violent altercation at the San Roque de Gonnet hospital on Tuesday.This incident reportedly involved members of the Gymnastics and Fencing La Plata fan base, including Cristian Camilleri, known as “El Volador,” a prominent figure among the fans. Tobar and Camilleri are known rivals with a history of public clashes and threats.

However, the current arrest warrant, signed by Judge Kreplak, is unrelated to the hospital incident. Instead, Tobar is being investigated for an alleged crime dating back to 2021.

The 2021 Video and Alleged Threats

The core of the current investigation revolves around a video that surfaced in 2021. In the video, a group of individuals, masked and armed, demand the release of Juan Pablo Medina, also known as “El Pata,” the former Secretary-general of the UOCRA Platense section and a rival of Tobar. Investigators suspect that Tobar and his associates orchestrated the video not to aid Medina, but to worsen his legal situation.

Sources familiar with the case have indicated that the video was recorded at a property owned by Tobar. They have also identified the head of the Student Bar as one of the masked individuals featured in the recording.

The video, which quickly went viral in 2021, depicts nine individuals dressed in dark clothing, most wearing masks, and one in a police uniform. While brandishing what appear to be shotguns, they state:

Frist we want to start saying that if tomorrow they will take measures against our leader, here we are. We are with you, leg, puli [one of the ten sons of Pata]. We are going to kill the judge,the prosecutor,the son of the judge,who comes …to the Iván Tobar, all. Here is the band of the puli and the leg. They want war, they will have it.The Uocra is from the Medina Pata,ORTIVE MANGA,Shit Transas.

Legal Ramifications and Potential Penalties

Following his interrogation by the judge, Tobar is likely to remain in custody. He has a prior conviction for attempted homicide related to an attack on a rival within the student bar. The charges in the current case carry a maximum penalty of up to ten years in prison.

Context: Union Violence and Intimidation

This arrest highlights the ongoing challenges of union violence and intimidation in Argentina. According to a 2024 report by the Ministry of Labour, incidents of violence related to union disputes have increased by 15% in the past year. This underscores the need for continued efforts to ensure transparency and accountability within labor organizations.