Santa Rita

The Paraguayan financial system is facing a security crisis marked by digital attacks that have drained accounts and created fraudulent loans, in addition to violent bank robberies, including explosions in Santa Rita, Alto Paraná, with the possible involvement of security agents.

The department of Alto Paraná has established itself as the main stage for major heists in Paraguay over the past twelve years, with criminal organizations adopting paramilitary tactics inspired by the "Nuevo Cangaço," including the most recent attack in Santa Rita, where around 20 criminals stole approximately 3 billion guaraníes from banks and exchange houses.

Brazilian authorities seized explosive material with a detonating cord on Friday night, believed to have been used in the June 16 mega bank robbery in Santa Rita, Paraguay, during a joint operation in the border area that led to the arrest of two suspects and their transfer to the Federal Police in Foz do Iguaçu.

A group of about 20 heavily armed men simultaneously attacked four financial institutions in Santa Rita, in the Alto Paraná department, using explosives to empty the vaults of two banks, overpowering four police officers, and setting vehicles on fire during their escape. Authorities are investigating the possible involvement of a criminal network made up of Paraguayans and Brazilians, without ruling out the participation of the PCC.

Operation Omega, a coordinated action among nine countries, resulted in the arrest of a lawyer in Santa Rita, Alto Paraná, suspected of being part of an international network for the sale and distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) that used cryptocurrencies for transactions. Prosecutor Ruth Karina Benítez led the execution of a search and seizure warrant, which seized electronic equipment, documents, and digital storage devices. Investigations are underway to determine whether the scheme also involved local production of the material and money laundering.