Tino Asprilla Robbed In Bogotá, Thieves Use His Contacts

In a shocking incident that highlights the ongoing issue of crime in Colombia, former Colombian football star Faustino "Tino" Asprilla was robbed in broad daylight while talking on his cell phone outside the Fiscalía General de la Nación in Bogotá. The theft occurred on April 16, 2025, when a man on a motorcycle approached Asprilla, snatched his phone, and sped away before he could react.

Asprilla took to social media to share his experience, expressing his disbelief and frustration over the incident. "This morning I was robbed. I was talking on my cell phone in front of the Fiscalía when a guy on a motorcycle came up on the sidewalk and grabbed my phone. I didn’t have time to react," he recounted in a video posted on his Instagram account.

What makes this crime particularly alarming is that the thieves not only stole Asprilla's phone but also removed the SIM card, which they used to access his contacts. The criminals have since begun messaging his friends and family, soliciting money under the guise of requests from Asprilla himself. "The phone is turned off, but they took out the SIM card and are using my contacts to ask for money. Please don't send money to anyone because I haven't asked for anything," he warned.

Among those who fell victim to this scam was comedian Víctor Manuel Osorio, better known as Caremonja, who reported losing 25 million pesos after believing he was helping his friend. "They are committing fraud using Tino's phone. I was robbed of 25 million pesos that they supposedly asked for in his name as a favor," Caremonja stated on social media, revealing details about the account where the money was directed.

Asprilla confirmed that Caremonja was not alone in being deceived; he noted that a doctor also lost money due to the same scam. "Many people are making deposits, thinking they are helping me. Please eliminate that number, as it is being used for fraud. I am tracking the phone, but I haven’t been able to locate it yet," he added.

This incident is part of a larger trend of increasing crime in Bogotá, particularly theft. According to the National Police, there have been 33,412 reported thefts in the city this year, which reflects a 10% decrease compared to the previous year. However, many citizens continue to feel insecure, as the perception of safety does not align with these statistics.

Asprilla's robbery occurred in a public area, raising serious concerns about safety, especially near government buildings like the Fiscalía. The former footballer, who also works as a sports commentator, expressed his intention to publish the account number used by the scammers in hopes of tracking them down and bringing them to justice.

"I will share the account number where the money is being sent to help find these thieves. If anyone has information about them, please let us know. We need to stop this fraud," Asprilla urged, emphasizing the need for vigilance among his followers.

The rise of scams where criminals impersonate victims to solicit money is alarming, and Asprilla's case is a reminder of how vulnerable everyone can be, regardless of their status. The incident has sparked discussions about the effectiveness of law enforcement in protecting citizens from such crimes.

In the aftermath of the robbery, many of Asprilla's fans and followers expressed their support and concern. The incident has resonated widely, highlighting the potential dangers faced by public figures and everyday citizens alike in urban settings.

Asprilla, who is well-known for his contributions to Colombian football during the 1990s, has urged his contacts to remain cautious and to verify any requests for money that come from unusual sources. "I don’t need money from anyone. Please don’t send anything to these scammers," he reiterated.

The issue of theft in Bogotá is not new, with various reports indicating that personal belongings such as cell phones, money, and other valuables are frequently targeted. The ongoing challenge for authorities is to strike a balance between reported crime statistics and the lived experiences of residents who often feel unsafe.

As the investigation into Asprilla's robbery progresses, it remains to be seen how authorities will respond to this high-profile case and what measures will be taken to enhance security in Bogotá. The community is hopeful that increased awareness and vigilance can help curb the rising tide of crime.

In the meantime, Asprilla's experience serves as a cautionary tale, reminding everyone to be aware of their surroundings and to take precautions, especially in areas known for their vulnerability to crime.