Banks targeted in mega-robbery in Paraguay in orchestrated action involving more than 20 criminals One Brazilian and two Paraguayans were arrested this Thursday (18) in Paraguay, suspected of involvement in the mega-robbery of banks and a currency exchange office that occurred in the early hours of Tuesday (16), in Santa Rita, a city located about 70 kilometers from the Brazilian border. The arrests took place during a police operation at a residence in the Loma III neighborhood, in Minga Guazú, about 30 kilometers from Foz do Iguaçu, on the border between Brazil and Paraguay. The action is part of the investigations into the attack that mobilized more than 20 armed criminals and is considered by the Paraguayan press as one of the largest robberies in the country's history. ✅ Follow g1 Foz do Iguaçu on WhatsApp Among those arrested is the Brazilian Emanuel Cidade Campos, 23, a native of Apucarana, in Northern Paraná.
According to the Paraguayan police, the Brazilian has a criminal record in Brazil for aggravated robbery and drug trafficking. Leandro Alfredo Portillo Achucarro, 30, who had an outstanding arrest warrant for robbery resulting in death or serious injury, and Adriana Barboza Balmori, 34, were also detained. The suspects were detained 30 km from the Brazilian border National Police During the operation, police seized several objects that may have been used by the gang. Among the materials found were five ballistic vests reinforced with metal plates, a 12-gauge shotgun with 15 rounds of ammunition, five spike strips (miguelitos), two balaclavas, gloves, cell phones, bank cards, documents, and cash. So far, the police have not disclosed the amount taken by the criminals, but they estimate the loss to be millions of guaraníes.
Investigations continue to identify other involved parties and recover part of the stolen money. Vests, weapons, and ammunition were seized National Police Paraguayan authorities considered the participation of Brazilians in the action because witnesses reported hearing members of the gang speaking Portuguese during the attack. “They are people who operate in Paraguay, Brazilians together with Paraguayans to carry out this type of action. Some live in Paraguay,” said Carlos Alberto Dure Rios, head of the Tripartite Command. The police are also investigating a possible connection of the suspects to Brazilian criminal organizations. Two other men were arrested on Wednesday (17) Suspects were arrested in Paraguay National Police José Cuevas Yegros and Ramon Leonardo Bogado, both Paraguayan, were arrested on Wednesday (17). The arrests took place during operations carried out by the Paraguayan police in the city of Emboscada, in the Caacupé region, near the capital Asunción.
According to the police, the suspects were found during searches in residences linked to the investigation. In addition to the arrests, agents seized cell phones and a backpack that may help clarify the detainees' participation in the crime. The materials were sent to the Paraguayan Public Ministry for analysis. Read also: House arrest: Businessman convicted of defrauding farmers of R$ 20 million to house arrest Missing cousins for over a month: police conduct searches in new city Struck by a branch in Curitiba: 22-year-old suffers serious injuries Remember the mega-robbery Armed criminals rob banks in Paraguay National Police The attack occurred in the early hours of Tuesday (16), when more than 20 armed criminals invaded the branches of Familiar, GNB, and Ueno banks, as well as a currency exchange office.
The group used explosives, held police and employees hostage, and, during the escape, set vehicles on fire and scattered spike strips (miguelitos) across the streets to hinder pursuit. According to the National Police of Paraguay, the action was planned to prevent any reaction from security forces. During the attack, four police officers on patrol were surrounded by the criminals.
One of the officers had his weapon and a service rifle stolen. The other officers managed to take cover and there was an exchange of gunfire. During the escape, the robbers set vehicles on fire at different points in the city and scattered "miguelitos" — artifacts with metal spikes used to puncture tires — on the main access roads. INFOGRAPHIC - Mega-robbery in Paraguay. Art/g1 VIDEOS: Most watched on g1 Paraná Read more news in g1 Oeste e Sudoeste.
Sign in to comment on this article.
No approved comments yet.