The Influencer Had Many Online Aliases and Accounts
The Colombian influencer established an online presence under a variety of aliases throughout various social media platforms.
Source: LindaR21/Facebook
Pino had an established fan base, having acquired thousands of followers on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. While influencing has the potential to bring in lots of money, Pino became involved in illegal activity that put her reputation in jeopardy. The 33-year-old influencer is said to be romantically involved with Wilmer Urrego Torres, an integral figure in the cartel’s money laundering network.
Authorities Arrested Pino After a Lengthy Investigation
A massive police operation was launched with the intention of dismantling the drug cartel known as Clan del Golfo.
Source: LindaR21/Facebook
Pino was apprehended at her place of residence in Turbo, located northwest of Medellin. Police body cam footage showed Pino wearing a purple bodysuit with her arms crossed as an officer approached her. Colombia’s Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Interpol indicated that Pino positioned herself as a wealthy influencer in the Turbo community.
She Created an Online Facade of Wealth and Privilege
Pino was known for recording large-scale giveaways and uploading the videos to her social media accounts.
Source: LindaR21/Facebook
Some of her purported giveaways included motorcycle and cosmetic surgery vouchers. On social media, Pino can be seen allegedly gifting cash, groceries, and other goods to supposed contest “winners.” But Pino’s “lavish” lifestyle was not funded by her influencer job, according to Colombian authorities.
She Used Drug Money to Fund Her Online Giveaways
The influencer got caught up in a vicious cycle of using drug money to finance a more posh appearance. Pino’s upscale way of living was funded by money illegally obtained from drug trafficking.
Source: LindaR21/Facebook
Police believe that Pino then used her illicit drug money to purchase the “prizes” she offered online. When authorities raided her property, they discovered that Pino was in possession of more than 80 brand new motorcycles. These vehicles are often used for motorcycle taxi services in Pino’s hometown of Turbo.
She Was Accused of a Handful of Elaborate Crimes
But things only got worse for Pino. Authorities believe that the influencer is an experienced criminal who employed elaborate schemes to avoid getting caught.
Source: LindaR21/Facebook
Pino is accused of being involved in the construction of affluent homes in underprivileged areas. She is said to have used funds from drug trafficking to finance the operation and “create a facade of legitimacy.” The Dijín, the Prosecutor’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Agency all worked together to crack down on the influencer.
Pino Denies Being Involved With the Drug Cartel
Pino’s arrest spurred law enforcement to take nine additional individuals into custody on similar charges.
Source: LindaR21/Facebook
Authorities also seized 199 properties with a collective value of more than “COP 15 billion” in locations such as Medellín, Montería, and Uraba. Pino denied having any involvement in the alleged crimes. She addressed her online followers to refute the charges while discussing the challenges she is faced with as a mother now that she is facing jail time.
Pino’s Social Media Accounts Boasted a Life of Wealth
Pino once had a promising future. She is a former psychology student who got caught up with the wrong crowd in a quest to obtain money and power.
Source: LindaR21/Facebook
At the time her arrest was made public, the influencer had more than 34,000 social media followers across various platforms. Her social media accounts flaunt the facade of wealth, often showing Pino embarking on luxury vacations and posing alongside expensive vehicles. She remains under house arrest as she awaits further legal proceedings.
What is The Clan del Golfo?
Pino’s alleged involvement with a malicious drug cartel was what ultimately led to her arrest. The Clan del Golfo is an intimidating force to be reckoned with in Colombia.
Source: Flickr
Known as the country’s largest drug cartel that has had as many as 6,000 members at one time, the cartel is known to engage in an array of criminal activities including drug trafficking, illegal mining, and racketeering. The Clan del Golfo has been linked to multiple homicides across Columbia. The drug cartel is contributing to the Columbian “armed conflict,” as many of its members are former paramilitary members.
Pino’s Social Media Stats
Pino has dozens of videos posted to TikTok under the handle @lindacaramelook. With more than 10,000 followers on the platform, Pino certainly makes it seem like she lives the high life.
Source: LindaR21/Facebook
Her Facebook page boasts 18,000 followers. Pino’s Instagram account operates under the name @lindacaramelook and has the lowest number of followers of all her online accounts. With just under 6,000 followers, Pino’s Instagram page was also seemingly set to private after her arrest.
Were Pino’s Online Giveaways Real?
As of now, it remains unclear whether or not Pino was actually giving away the lavish prizes she advertised on her social media pages, or if it was all for show.
Source: LindaR21/Facebook
Authorities do know that the prizes were purchased with funds from drug trafficking, but it is currently unknown if people received their alleged winnings from Pino. The terms surrounding her alleged giveaways seem suspicious, to say the least.
She Drew Attention to Herself in Many Ways
In Pino’s last Facebook post before her arrest on September 23, she shared a video of her giving away cash rewards to eager recipients.
Source: LindaR21/Facebook
“R21 fulfills its customers as always, take advantage and buy our tickets so you can have the pleasure of winning one of our millionaire prizes,” she wrote. “The prize is given well in advance so that our winner has time to invest and arrange his money to avoid mishaps,” she added. The world is certainly watching to see how this precarious situation unfolds for Pino.