Mexican goalkeeper arrested for role in kidnapping ring

Mexican goalkeeper arrested for role in kidnapping ring

2012-01-09 06:55:37 GMT+7 (ICT)

NUEVO LEON, MEXICO (BNO NEWS) -- Former Mexican football goalkeeper Omar Ortiz has been arrested for his alleged role in a kidnapping ring, prosecutors said on Sunday.

Ortiz, who is also known as "El Gato" (the Cat), is suspected of working with a gang which is believed to have been responsible for as many as 20 kidnappings. Prosecutors said Ortiz's alleged job was to select wealthy victims because he moved in the same social circles as them.

Officials said the gang's victims included the husband of pop singer Gloria Trevi in October 2011, although few details about that case have been released. The gang reportedly asked for nearly one million pesos ($75,000) per victim, but it is unclear how much they received.

Ortiz, who was suspended from his football club in May 2010 after he tested positive for steroids, has reportedly confessed to being involved with the kidnapping group. He faces up to 50 years in prison if he is convicted.

The footballer was arrested earlier this week along with three other alleged accomplices.

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