Police investigate participation of Brazilians in mega-bank robbery in Paraguay after witnesses heard criminals speaking Portuguese

Banks are the target of mega-robbery in Paraguay in an orchestrated action with more than 20 criminals
Paraguayan authorities are investigating the participation of Brazilians in the mega-robbery that hit three financial institutions and an exchange office in the early hours of this Tuesday (16), in Santa Rita, Paraguay. The suspicion arose after witnesses reported hearing members of the gang speaking in Portuguese during the action.
"There was a lot of shouting and orders to lie down on the ground, more and more shots and bombs [...] They spoke Portuguese, clearly, and said: 'lay down on the ground'", said a witness who did not want to be identified.
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According to the head of the Tripartite Command, Carlos Alberto Dure Rios, the main line of investigation points to the joint action of Brazilians and Paraguayans specializing in this type of crime.
"These are people who work in Paraguay, Brazilians together with Paraguayans, to carry out this type of action. Some live in Paraguay", he stated.
A Paraguayan police officer reported that the authorities are investigating whether those involved have links to criminal organizations.
"We have clear suspicions of people of Brazilian nationality. We will conduct the investigation to identify each of them [...] Due to the way the attack was carried out and the use of explosives, we believe that members of the PCC may be involved", said Luis Lopez, from the Department against Organized Crime.
Santa Rita is approximately 70 kilometers from Foz do Iguaçu, on the border between Brazil and Paraguay, and is home to a large community of Brazilians and descendants who live or maintain economic activities in the region.
Until the last update of this report, no one had been arrested.
Armed criminals rob banks in the Paraguay
National Police
Robbers attacked three banks and an exchange office
According to investigations, more than 20 criminals participated in the attack. The group used large-caliber weapons and explosives to attack Banco Familiar and Banco GNB branches. The robbers also invaded a unit of Banco Ueno and a currency exchange office.
Information obtained by the RPC, a TV Globo affiliate in Paraná, indicates that the Paraguayan press considers the attack to be the second largest robbery ever recorded in the country.
According to the National Police of Paraguay, the action was planned to hinder any reaction by the security forces. During the attack, four police officers who were patrolling were surrounded by criminals. One of the agents had his weapon and a company rifle stolen. The other police officers managed to take cover and there was an exchange of gunfire.
Bank branches were destroyed
National Police
While escaping, the assailants set fire to vehicles in different parts of the city and spread "miguelitos" - devices with metal spikes used to puncture tires - on the main access roads.
So far, authorities have not disclosed the amount taken by the group. According to Carlos Alberto Dure Rios, the damage is estimated at millions of guaranis.
The National Police of Paraguay issued a capture alert to teams from Alto Paraná, Caazapá, Caaguazú and Itapúa. Investigative, criminalistics teams and the Paraguayan Public Ministry participate in the searches.
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INFOGRAPHIC - Mega-robbery in Paraguay.
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Source: G1