Five Brazilian citizens were detained on the afternoon of Monday, August 24, 2026, during three simultaneous search warrants in La Paloma del Espíritu Santo, in the Canindeyú department. Operation Mirage seized assault rifles, rifles, shotguns, pistols, ammunition, electronic equipment and two vehicles reported stolen in Brazil.
The searches took place at about 5:30 p.m. and were led by Ciudad del Este prosecutor Osvaldo Zaracho under a search warrant issued by criminal guarantees judge Paola Nagele, in case No. 13,124/2026. The operation brought together agents from the National Police, the Department of International Police Cooperation Agreements and Conventions, and the Canindeyú Department of Investigation of Punishable Acts.
Those detained include Douglas Fernando de Jesús Hartkoff, wanted in Brazil for intentional homicide, and Luiz Gustavo Alves, wanted for drug trafficking. The man initially identified as Maikon Lucas Ramos Lima was later identified as Eder Oliveira da Silva, 28, who is also wanted for drug trafficking. Cleverson Gonçalves and Tayla Gomes de Campos complete the list; both are adults.
According to the authorities, the name Mirage refers to physical changes attributed to Douglas Hartkoff. He reportedly underwent surgery to lengthen his legs by 5 centimeters and also made changes to his face, altering his appearance and his recorded height from 1.70 to 1.75 meters.
The arsenal includes two assault rifles, in 7.62 mm and 5.56 mm calibers; a .223-caliber rifle with two magazines; a .357-caliber Winchester; shotguns, including a 12-gauge double-barreled model; a pistol with a fire selector and extended magazine; collectible firearms; airsoft replicas; telescopic sights; and unfired cartridges.
Authorities also seized a black 2022 Toyota Fortuner and a gray 2026 Volkswagen Tiguan. The vehicles had been reported stolen in Brazil. Cellphones and a laptop will undergo forensic examination, while the weapons are expected to undergo traceability tests to determine whether they were used in crimes in Paraguay or Brazil.
National Police commander Commissioner General César Roberto Silguero Lobos said investigators are examining possible links between the group and the First Capital Command (PCC), a Brazilian criminal organization operating in the Triple Frontier region, as well as the trafficking of counterfeit medicines, including tirzepatide. The hypothesis has not yet been confirmed. Chief Commissioner Carlos Duré said police are also investigating a possible connection with an operation carried out on August 12 in Ciudad del Este that arrested two Brazilians suspected of belonging to a tirzepatide-counterfeiting network.
The five detainees were transferred to the National Police Department of Investigations in Asunción. Other reports indicate a possible subsequent transfer to Luque. Authorities are checking the detainees’ immigration status and will then assess possible expulsion.