Alleged Embezzler and Police Chief Killed in Helicopter Crash in El Salvador
President Nayib Bukele has stated that the recent helicopter crash involving a former credit union manager suspected of embezzling $35 million cannot be considered a simple accident. He is urging for international assistance in investigating the incident.
The crash occurred as a military helicopter transporting Manuel Coto Barrientos, the manager of the Santa Victoria cooperative bank, back to El Salvador from Honduras, where he was arrested after attempting to flee to the United States with a people trafficker. Alongside Coto, Mauricio Arriaza Chicas, the head of El Salvador’s police forces who was escorting him back, tragically lost their lives in the crash near San Eduardo in eastern El Salvador.
The Salvadoran armed forces reported that the Bell UH-1H helicopter went down on Sunday night, but the exact number of passengers onboard remains unclear.
President Nayib Bukele emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, stating, “What happened cannot be considered a simple ‘accident’. It must be investigated thoroughly and to the last consequences. We will request international help.”
Prior to the crash, Coto was apprehended in Honduras for embezzlement related charges. He was being flown back to San Salvador when the tragic incident occurred.
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