Authorities in Colombia have made arrests in the disappearance and death of Ramazan (Ramo) Gencay, a Simon Fraser University professor and North Vancouver resident, who went missing during an academic trip to the country in December.
Gencay, an economics professor, had been in the city of Medellin for a conference and went missing Dec. 6.
His body was discovered dumped on the outskirts of the city Dec. 24.
Public prosecutors in Colombia and the mayor’s office of Medellin announced recently that three people, including two women and one man, have been arrested in connection with Gencay’s death.
According to local media reports, police in Colombia believe Gencay was targeted by a criminal gang suspected of preying on foreigners and given a drink or food containing the drug Lorazepam, to incapacitate him. The gang is believed to have then used Gencay’s credit cards to drain his accounts.
Carole Gencay, Ramazan’s wife, said she has been told that four people have been arrested in Colombia in connection with the gang that kidnaps foreigners. Gencay said her husband had made arrangements to have dinner at a pizzeria where his drink was spiked. Video cameras showed her husband, who appeared incapacitated, being led to a car, she said.
Gencay said she and the rest of the family have been traumatized by the way her husband was treated and are still hoping a murder charge will be laid. She added she has also received heartfelt messages of apology and sympathy from many people in Colombia.
Global Affairs Canada confirmed they have been in contact with local authorities in Colombia who have informed the government that arrests have been made in connection with the death of a Canadian citizen there and that “Consular services are being provided to the family in Canada.”
Gencay, 57, was a dual citizen of Canada and Turkey, and an avid North Shore trail runner and dancer.
A celebration of life was held in North Vancouver Jan. 18.
