Gang Planning Major Bank Heists in Argentina Thwarted; 12 Arrested

Argentine security forces have foiled a sophisticated criminal operation targeting banks in the Buenos Aires province. A gang specializing in creating breaches, known as 'boqueteros,' was dismantled after planning ambitious heists against branches of Banco Nación in Morón and Banco Provincia in Baradero.

The investigation, initiated on May 19 following an anonymous tip, identified the group's leader as C. D. Maidana, a 59-year-old former Federal Police officer with a history of property and bank-related offenses. The organization allegedly planned to access bank vaults by digging through adjoining properties, utilizing commercial spaces and parking lots for entry and escape routes.

Key arrests were made on the morning of June 14 in Baradero. Simultaneous operations led to the detention of 12 suspects, 11 men and one woman. Authorities seized three vehicles, including a Volkswagen Amarok and a Fiat Iveco van, along with two 9mm pistols, disrupting the gang's operational capabilities.

Investigators had been tracking the group's movements, including surveillance activities and reconnaissance in the vicinity of the targeted banks. The detailed planning and execution of the arrests highlight a significant success for the security forces in preventing major financial crimes.