Valentina Velásquez was arrested in a rented flat in Medellín, Colombia, on Thursday (21 May).
Inside, officers found a bizarre altar to Ismael, the gun-toting “saint” of the “Ismael and the Holy Thugs” cult, as reported by Need To Know.
In Venezuela, Ismael is invoked both by people seeking protection from crime and by others who call on him for help in carrying out criminal activity.
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Also inside the apartment, police reportedly found black candles, cigars, bottles of rum and decorative figurines of armed men.
Authorities are now investigating whether these items were used in ritual practices allegedly intended to ensure protection during criminal activity.
Velásquez, known online as Valentina Mor, is accused of being involved in a group that targets foreign nationals in Colombia.
According to authorities, the 23-year-old Venezuelan and others allegedly selected victims, drugged them, and stole their belongings.
Before her social media accounts were taken down, Velásquez showcased a luxury lifestyle, including parties and travel, online.
During the operation, police also recovered cash, high-end watches, branded sunglasses and other items reported stolen by victims.
Shortly before a previous arrest on 2 May, Velásquez had reportedly posted videos showing her handling 100 USD bills and 100,000 COP notes.
According to police, she was found in possession of a retired US Air Force serviceman’s passport, along with money allegedly stolen from him, at the time.
She was released after that earlier detention because no formal complaint was filed.
She has now been charged with aggravated theft.
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