Stolen Maltese passport linked to Venezuelan man questioned about murder

A Venezuelan man questioned by Costa Rican police over murder is believed to have been in possession of a stolen Maltese passport, leading Costa Rican newspapers to describe him as “a naturalised Maltese”.

The murder took place in Tibas, a community located in the northern suburbs of San Jose, and is currently being investigated as a contract killing.

The man in question was identified as Sinesterra Sánchez, one of four people last  to be seen in the company of the victim. Sinesterra Sánchez, along with Costa Rican Montano Abraham, was subsequently arrested in connection with the murder.

MaltaToday has since learnt that an investigation by Interpol is currently underway to establish how the passport of a Maltese citizen ended up in the hands of the Venezuelan man.

The passport had been reported stolen to the police by the original passport holder. It is understood that Venezuelan police investigating the case traced the number on the passport and discovered that the passport had in fact been stolen.

“Although the data page was changed, the passport number corresponded with the stolen passport,” informed sources told MaltaToday.
The probability is that the passport was sold on the black market.

Contacted by MaltaToday, IIP CEO Jonathan Cardona also confirmed that no adults going by the name, or surname, of Sanchez had been naturalised or had applied for Maltese citizenship under the Individual Investor Programme.

Costa Rican newspapers report that a Colombian man was shot dead at a motel after possibly being lured there by two women. The

Costa Rican and the Venezuelan formed part of the group. Salazar Arroyo was shot dead by a hitman just as the group had arrived at the motel. Sánchez and Abraham were held by the police after giving conflicting statements.

Arroyo was shot dead by a hitman who walked straight up to him, took aim and fired. The hitman allegedly fled in a Toyota Yaris.