**Two Prime Wheel Employees Arrested for the Disappearance of Servando Salazar**
**By Mara Yáñez | September 2, 2024**
Two employees of Prime Wheel have been arrested in connection with the forced disappearance of Servando Salazar Cano, a worker at the company who was last seen on August 23, 2024. The suspects are believed to be fellow employees, confirmed María Elena Andrade Ramírez, head of the State Attorney General’s Office (FGE).
Salazar Cano, aged 35, was last seen when he left for his job at Prime Wheel, located on Exportadores Street in the Chilpancingo Industrial Park. Though he clocked in, he didn’t clock out, and his vehicle was found inside the premises. His cellphone was discovered at Santa Anita Plaza, about three kilometers from the company.
“We currently have two individuals in custody: a high-ranking manager and the head of maintenance where hazardous products and furnaces are handled. This department’s primary focus is manufacturing rims and aluminum-based products,” explained Andrade Ramírez.
As the main line of investigation, the company is under scrutiny with the support of the Labor Secretary. Andrade Ramírez noted that the incident is not considered a workplace accident but is likely an intentional criminal act.
“There is no evidence that he left the company’s facilities. It could involve illicit activities within the company, even at high levels. This is the main investigative direction. Although I can’t disclose more details, the disappearance charge has been formally filed,” she added.
Authorities obtained critical information from Salazar’s cellphone, although they suspect the device was intentionally placed in Santa Anita Plaza to mislead the investigation.
“We have secured certain areas. The suspected site of Salazar’s disappearance is cordoned off. Financial and administrative records have also been secured. Although the company, providing over 5,000 jobs, is not completely shut down, the first industrial warehouse is under thorough investigation,” Andrade Ramírez explained.
On the secured areas, she further detailed, “We have accessed areas where aluminum smelting and handling of dangerous chemicals like muriatic acid occur, which are highly restricted.”
Regarding the possibility of recovering Salazar’s body, Andrade Ramírez chose not to comment out of respect for the family but acknowledged ongoing close cooperation with them.
The search efforts in the first warehouse have been intensive, employing canines, agents, and police, examining every inch of the area where Salazar was last seen. The preliminary hearing for the detained suspects is scheduled for Thursday, September 5.
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**Additional Related News**
**Family and Community Continue Search for Missing Tijuana Workers**
The families of missing workers Servando Salazar Cano and German Santoyo are not giving up hope. Community-led search efforts continue around Tijuana as they push for more information and transparency from authorities.
**Collective “Todos Somos Erick Carrillo” Begins Search for Servando Salazar**
Approximately 40 members from the collective dedicated to finding missing persons initiated extensive search efforts in the area surrounding Prime Wheel. They emphasize the need for more support and resources to expedite the search operations.
**Public Outcry Grows Over Work-Related Disappearances**
The recent string of disappearances within large corporations has sparked widespread concern and public outcry. Advocacy groups are demanding better worker protection laws and stricter regulations on industrial safety practices.
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