SHARKHUNTERS International Expedition to Argentina January 2014
In 1987, someone broke into the tomb of Juan Peron – and cut off his hands! We have a short film clip of this and Peron is indeed, missing his hands. Why would anyone break into his tomb and take his hands? The theory is that his fingerprints would be required to access some of the secret bank accounts that he had filled with money from Bormann and the others of the Third Reich during his first Presidency when he was more or less selling protection to thousands who were escaping the crumbled. Europe.
We asked several Members who are medical doctors about this – and are no closer to the answer than before. 50% said that the fingerprints would have vanished by 1987 while 50% said that his fingerprints would still exist. We can think of no other valid reason why anyone would steal the hands of Juan Peron.
Join Sharkhunters as we learn more and more about the Third Reich in Latin America – predominantly Argentina.
SHARKHUNTERS International Expedition in the Land of the Gaucho
Day 1
To form a foundation for our further research, we visit the graves of some notable men of the Third Reich as well as their homes. Come along with us.
Any historian, even an amateur, knows the name Kapitän zur See Hans Langsdorff, Commanding Officer of the Panzerschiff GRAF SPEE. He shot himself in the Immigrant Hotel after destroying his ship. He has nothing to do with the men of the Third Reich who came here after the war, but it is important that we show this photograph.
Ludwig Freude was Director of the Banco Transatlantico Allemann, the German Overseas Bank and one of the ten wealthiest men in Latin America. He is indicated by the arrow in the above photo with his close friend Juan Peron (hand in his pocket). Freude was instrumental in helping a tremendous number of men escape the crumbled Europe and begin their new lives in Argentina. When the Allies wanted Freude deported to face chares in Europe, Peron more or less said that Freude was his personal friend and he wasn’t going anywhere.
Freude lived in the very upscale “el Tirge” district and Peron was a guest in his home many times. He was also instrumental in setting up “die Spinne” (the Spider), better known as Odessa.
![]() It is well known that he came to Latin America and spent much of his time in Argentine. | Note the photo below left – that is Mengele on the front porch of the house of his friend Gerhard Malbranc in Buenos Aires. Note the photo below – that is the same house and the photo was taken in January 2014 by Sharkhunters President HARRY COOPER (1-LIFE-1983). | |
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Above – The same house from another angle | Mengele with the Malbranc family | |
![]() | You will remember that we said the Presidential Palace of Juan Peron was literally back door to back door with……………it was this palatial house of Doctor Josef Mengele! These homes were close enough to each other that one could throw a ball from one to the other. This is only one of the homes of Mengele. He had several in Buenos Aires and other places as well. |
The photo above left is the shop of the tailor who made all of Eichmann’s suits. He talked with us for half an hour but insisted that we did not film or tape him. We complied with his wishes. During our time with him, Francisco told us that his kids played with Eichmann’s two sons when they were all young. He said that the sons referred to Eichmann as their uncle and said that their father was killed in the war – obviously meant to keep Eichmann’s identity a secret.
The youngest son was quite talkative and said on many occasions that before coming to Argentina, they stayed for some time in the Vatican and that they had met with the Pope several times.
Both of Eichmann’s sons still live in Buenos Aires but for obvious reasons, they refuse to speak with anyone and they have changed their names.
This sums up our first day in Argentina. We have seen and learned much, which will be covered more extensively in our book and in this book, we will also give the addresses of these houses. What book? New announcement will be forthcoming soon.
SHARKHUNTERS International Expedition in the Land of the Gaucho
Day 2
We continue to form a foundation for our further research as we visit even more interesting places in Buenos Aires. Come along with us.
Our first stop was a vibrant shipyard where Argentina Navy and Prefectura (Coast Guard) ships are built and maintained. They repair and maintain merchant and civilian ships as well.
As you can imagine, we were not allowed to shoot photos of the submarines – especially the German design 209 Class ocean-going submarine they are building – but with a nuclear drive.
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Inside – this shipyard was designed after a working German shipyard; it is very efficient. | We were able to film the slipway outside, as long as we did not film the submarines. | |
We were allowed to film this boat, SAN LUIS. She is decommissioned and will soon be made into a memorial and she has a great history. This boat saw action in the war in the Falklands/Malvinas and she actually penetrated the Royal Navy’s ASW screen. She got into position and torpedoed several British ships. The problem was – they had the same experience with her torpedoes as the Kriegsmarine did and the US Navy did in the early days of World War Two. The torpedoes made a loud “CLANK!” as they hit – but failed to detonate. Maybe the result of that war could have been different; who knows?
Who doesn’t know the name “EVITA“? This was a woman who rose to power by marrying the strongman who took power in Argentina. She loved her people, especially the poor and impoverished workers whom she called “the shirtless ones“. She had offices in a massive building that is now the College of Engineering and we visit here. The dean of the college and five of his professors were our guides. Eight huge statues graced the upper portions of the college – six were ancient figures while one was Juan Peron and one was Evita. As Peron was being overthrown, the Air Force strafed this building and shot the head off the statue of Evita – and one of her fingers. By pure luck, a woman was on the sidewalk below and caught the finger.
In another building, Evita’s body was lying in state in this room for three years after her death. When Peron was ousted from power in the 1950’s, her body was ‘kidnapped‘ by the victorious junta and moved to Milan where it remained for twelve years. With Peron’s return to power her body was returned to Buenos Aires and placed in the Duarte family crypt in a beautiful cemetery in the city.
We know that the Third Reich was very big in the United states and Fritz Kühn organized rallies for the Reich in places like Madison Square Garden……….but did you know the same held true for Buenos Aires in the 1930’s here in Luna Park?
SHARKHUNTERS International Expedition in the Land of the Gaucho
Day 3
We continue to form a foundation for our further research as we visit even more interesting places in Buenos Aires. Come along with us.
We drove quite a distance to a very nice section outside Buenos Aires as you see here.
Along with Hans-Ulrich Rudel and ADOLF GALLAND (2854-1993), Werner Baumbach made the Argentina Air Force one of the best in Latin America. On a training mission in which he was training two Argentina pilots in an Avro Lancaster, the big bomber went down in the river here. It is not clear if Baumbach was at the controls or if one of the student pilots but the end result is that the plane splashed down in the river and sank. Baumbach was unable to get out and he drowned. We are told that the bomber is still there on the bottom of the Rio de la Platte.
This old gate at the debarkation port is more than just an interesting old gate – Doctor Josef Mengele walked through this gate on his way to freedom in Buenos Aires as did thousands of men of the Third Reich and their families after the war. This was their ticket to freedom and a source of revenue and labor to Juan Peron. | ![]() |
The most magnificent hotel in Buenos Aires, probably in all Argentina. This was the Plaza Hotel. No, I am sorry to say, we did not stay there…………WAY too costly, however…..
“Yes, he lived in Room 470.” she told me.
My reaction was “HUH?” Then I said that my research indicated that Bormann lived in the Plaza for two years with two young senoritas right after the war.
She said that Bormann did live in Room 470, the Presidential Suite for a couple years, but she said she knew nothing of the two senoritas.
Next time I am in Buenos Aires, I hope my budget allows me to stay in Room 470, the Presidential Suite……….at least one night.
It was time for lunch so we went 21 stories in the sky over Buenos Aires to the very nice Deutsche Klub. Looking out the windows in one direction, we overlook the city sprawling beneath our feet. looking in another direction, there is the Rio de la Platte about ½ a mile away. The food was exquisite as one might expect in an establishment like this – but I asked the waitress why I was the only one in the restaurant who spoke German. She just smiled and shrugged.
All around the restaurant, the lounge, the hallways etc. we find such “Wappen” (Coats of Arms) everywhere. The food was great, the ambiance splendid and the view breathtaking.
The last stop of the day was one of the main train stations that had some unusual decor all around the station.
Are these stylized Swastikas or merely modern art? Whatever they are, there are thousands all around the railway station, the waiting rooms, the restaurants etc.
SHARKHUNTERS International Expedition in the Land of the Gaucho
Day 4
We continue to form a foundation for our further research as we visit even more interesting places in Buenos Aires. Come along with us.
Our late afternoon stop was to film the house where Croatian strongman Ante Pavelic lived for years after the war. He urged his followers to keep fighting even after Germany had surrendered. When he came to Argentina, he had few friends and very little money so he worked as a bricklayer but then a friend who was also close with Juan and Evita Peron introduced him and his fortunes took off. He soon owned a large construction company and build many of the impressive buildings in downtown Buenos Aires.
![]() | ![]() Pavelic’s Passport | |
![]() | ![]() Left – Pavelic the bricklayer | |
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Pavelic moved through Europe on a Peruvian passport that identified him as the Roman Catholic priest Father Pedro Gonner. He travelled through Venice and Florence and eventually into Rome where he lived in the Vatican. While living in the Vatican he organized the Croatian State Committee but Communist dictator Tito confronted the Vatican, claiming that they were helping Pavelic to rebuild Nazism. Pavelic at that time was living in Castel Gandolfo, the Papal summer residence. He then hid in a Jesuit house near Naples and Father Krunoslav Draganovic helped him obtain a Red Cross passport with the new identity of Pale Aranios, a Hungarian. Draganovic conspired with the authorities to turn Pavelic over to them for the reward, but Pavelic got wind of the plot and escaped, riding the Italian ship SESTRIERE to Buenos Aires.
Above is the marker on the corner where Jovovic shot Pavelic in the back.
There is much more to the story of Pavelic but that is covered in our book. As we were photographing the house, the lady who lives there now (Monika) came out to ask what we were doing. I introduced myself and told her that I was researching the men who came to Argentina from the Third Reich and especially Adolf Hitler. She looked a bit surprised, and said;
“Looking for Hitler? Everyone knows he lived out his life in Argentina.”
She and her attorney husband now own the house, and she said that Pavelic held lavish parties and dances in the house and that the old lady across the street knew Pavelic very well so along with Monika, we crossed the street. The old lady was sitting by her open window and Monika introduced us and said that we would like to talk about Pavelic. The old lady said she would be happy to talk with us – but her daughter slammed the window. Guess that means the interview is finished…….
SHARKHUNTERS International Expedition in the Land of the Gaucho
Day 5
The Next Day of this expedition takes us to Cordoba Province where we learn much more.
As a young woman, Catalina Gomaro worked for the Eichhorn family in their hotel and other buildings. In fact, she was almost a daughter to them. According to her, Adolf and Eva were in the hotel annex for some days in 1949 and that is covered in our new book, which will be available end of February 2014.
SHARKHUNTERS International Expedition in the Land of the Gaucho
Day 6
The BIGGEST Day of this expedition takes us to the hidden and secret complex where thousands had to go to receive their new identities, assignments, jobs etc. Hang on – this is powerful.
To reach what remains of this compound, now long abandoned, one must first know exactly know where to look for the entrance. While zooming along a modern four-lane divided highway, there is a momentary slit in the trees to the right. If you do not know it is there, you will never see it. We knew where it was and were on the lookout but we still flew past it, had to turn around and return, driving much more slowly…………… and here is what we saw!
We cut in and pass the empty building that once housed the first of many checkpoints. | Look closely down the dirt road on the left – WAY down the road and you will the entrance to the tunnel. | |
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If you came here “back then“, this is what you would see. | Today it looks like this, taken January 2014 The security concerns were quite clear. | |
We drive a VERY long way down this really bad dirt road, about two miles, and we come to….. | We begin to see buildings through the trees, right past the sign that says “Sharkhunters Welcome!” Actually, it says “No Pasar” which is the same as “Eingang Verboten“, right? We know that means that means “Sharkhunters Welcome!“ | |
Above left and right, are the “Banós Caldera” which means | bathrooms with hot water………..maybe | |
Above – another look at the bathrooms past our “limousine” Left – Surprisingly, the water still works! Below left – We did not try out the showers….. Below – COOPER at the washing sink. | ||
This is what remains of the barracks | ||
We climb the stairs to the barracks | There are two sets of three-high bunks in each room | |
Above left and right – the walkway along the outside corridor of the barracks Right – one of the group bathrooms in the barracks |
We said this would open your eyes – and we are just getting started.
The photos below would most likely be the HQ building and the Orderly Room.
Along this veranda….. | …..and through these doors | |
The place could use some serious maintenance, paint and cleaning but structurally it is sound and could be rebuilt. The Commandant had to keep warm?? |
We have seen the training and command facilities (all above) but what about physical training? Let’s not forget the spiritual aspect either. Only a very short walk from the compound we find the grotto.
We promised that we would reveal the identity of this man at the left in this photo, taken in the late 1940’s (1949 we believe). This was at an Asado (picnic) at a location known as “El Chorito” behind the Eden Hotel. He was guest of Walter and Ida Eichhorn, making him instantly acceptable as part of the group.
We note many things about him.
* He is dressed in a different style than the others;
* His hat is at his familiar jaunty rake – this should trigger your thoughts;
* The Hitler Youth dagger in his belt with which he was cutting his meat.
……….and finally, look closely at his face. You should recognize him.
The world knew him better as “The Man in the Glass Booth” in Israel. This was Adolf Eichmann! | ![]() |