Virginia Aravena Assumes Role as Tarapacá Regional Prosecutor

Virginia Aravena Hormazábal officially began her tenure as the Regional Prosecutor of Tarapacá on Monday, March 23, 2026, in a ceremony presided over by the National Prosecutor, Ángel Valencia. The investiture took place at the University of Tarapacá (UTA) and was attended by regional authorities including Governor José Miguel Carvajal and Presidential Delegate Adriana Tapia.

Commitment to Public Safety and Victim Support

Aravena expressed gratitude for the trust placed in her by the Court of Appeals of Iquique and the National Prosecutor, affirming her commitment to prioritizing the safety of residents and combating criminal organizations operating in the region. She outlined three core pillars for her administration: proximity to victims, vigorous investigation, and a strong on-the-ground presence.

“This will be a nearby prosecutor’s office; I personally and my prosecutors will be on the ground. We must know what we do and be close to victims and witnesses,” Aravena stated.

National Security Implications

National Prosecutor Ángel Valencia emphasized the strategic importance of the Tarapacá region in the context of national security. “Tarapacá is a gateway for organized crime with effects that transcend its limits and affect the country as a whole. What is happening here is a national challenge,” Valencia commented.

Background and Experience

Aravena is an attorney from the Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, with postgraduate studies in Criminal Law from the University of Salamanca. She previously served as the Regional Head Attorney of the Juvenile Criminal Defense Office of Tarapacá and Arica between 2003 and 2004. She joined the Public Prosecutor’s Office as an assistant prosecutor in the Alto Hospicio Local Prosecutor’s Office, later becoming a tenured assistant prosecutor specializing in juvenile criminal responsibility. She then served as an assistant prosecutor specializing in violent crimes, property crimes, and homicides. From 2016 to 2024, she held the position of Chief Assistant Prosecutor at the Alto Hospicio Local Prosecutor’s Office, and most recently served as an assistant prosecutor at the Alto Hospicio Local Prosecutor’s Office since August 2024.

Focus on Organized Crime and Asset Seizure

Aravena plans to increase collaboration with police forces and agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service (SII), National Customs Service, and Gendarmerie of Chile to identify and dismantle the assets of criminal organizations, proactively anticipating their formation. “With them we will be able to identify the assets of criminal organizations, and through the legal tools that the law establishes, effectively deprive them of them. We want to get ahead of the constant formation of these emerging criminal and criminal associations,” she added.

Aravena’s appointment follows the departure of María Trinidad Steinert, who is joining the government of José Antonio Kast as Minister of Security. BioBioChile reported the appointment on March 9, 2026, with Aravena officially assuming the role on March 23, 2026. Radio Paulina provided coverage of the inauguration ceremony.