Four suspects charged in G. 185 million robbery in Ciudad del Este

Prosecutors have charged four men with robbery and requested pre-trial detention for their alleged involvement in a brazen daylight heist in Ciudad del Este, where a woman was robbed of G. 185 million (approximately $25,000 USD).

The accused, identified as Juan Carlos Gaona García, 28, César Adrián Britos Estigarribia, 35, César Leonardo Ramírez Acuña, 32, and Diego Ocampos González, 27, are reportedly linked to the incident that occurred on Tuesday around 10:30 a.m. on Antequera Street in the La Blanca neighborhood. Gaona García has five outstanding warrants for aggravated robbery and one for robbery with death, while Ramírez Acuña faces charges for attempted homicide and other robbery cases. Ocampos González also has an active warrant for aggravated robbery.

According to the prosecution, the victim was in her vehicle when a Kia Rio car approached. Three armed individuals emerged, threatening her and forcing her to surrender two handbags. One bag contained G. 135 million, and the other held G. 50 million, along with five client checks and personal documents. The assailants then fled the scene.

Later that morning, around 11:00 a.m., police officers on patrol spotted a vehicle matching the description of the one used in the robbery. When they attempted to stop the car, the occupants allegedly opened fire, initiating a pursuit. The chase continued for several kilometers until four suspects were apprehended. During the operation, a rifle, ammunition, a cell phone, and G. 10 million in cash were seized. The remaining suspects were captured after entering a residence, where an additional G. 47.9 million was recovered.