Two men are arrested on suspicion of participating in a mega-bank robbery in Paraguay

Banks are the target of mega-robbery in Paraguay in an orchestrated action with more than 20 criminals
José Cuevas Yegros and Ramon Leonardo Bogado, both Paraguayans, were arrested in Paraguay on suspicion 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 border with Brazil.
The arrests took place during operations carried out by Paraguayan police in the city of Emboscada, in the Caacupé region, close to the capital Asunción. According to the police, the suspects were found during searches of homes linked to the investigation.
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In addition to the arrests, agents seized cell phones and a backpack that could help clarify the detainees' participation in the crime. The materials were sent to the Paraguayan Public Ministry for analysis.
The two men remain in prison while the investigation progresses to identify other members of the gang.
Suspects were arrested in Paraguay
National Police
The Paraguayan authorities are also investigating the possible participation of Brazilians in the action. Witnesses reported having heard members of the gang speaking Portuguese during the attack.
"They are people who work 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 link between the suspects and Brazilian criminal organizations.
Armed criminals rob banks in Paraguay
Police National
Robbers attacked three banks and a currency 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.
INFOGRAPHIC - Mega-robbery in Paraguay.
Arte/g1
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Source: G1