Million-dollar heist in Ciudad del Este's microcenter ends with injured officer on "Día de Comando"

Ciudad del Este, Paraguay., A gang of criminals executed a brazen robbery in the heart of Ciudad del Este's microcenter, making off with a significant quantity of high-end cell phones. The brazen daylight heist was compounded by an injury to a police sub-officer during the perpetrators' escape.

The incident unfolded as a Brazilian national was leaving the Vendôme shopping mall with a batch of iPhone cell phones. While driving on Pampliega Avenue, he was intercepted by assailants in a white Toyota Fortuner. Authorities noted that the vehicle's license plate did not match the vehicle, suggesting it may have been stolen in Brazil.

The assailants reportedly took the Brazilian victim hostage and proceeded towards the Lake of the Republic area in his Mercedes-Benz vehicle. During the ensuing pursuit by motorized police units, an exchange of gunfire occurred, resulting in sub-officer Emilio Esteban Cardozo, 30, sustaining a calf injury. The victim was later abandoned with his vehicle in the Boquerón II neighborhood, near the Lake of the Republic. The criminals are believed to have transferred the stolen merchandise to a van to continue their flight.

The injured officer was taken to the Tesãi Foundation Hospital and admitted for treatment. Later, residents of the Monday Poty II settlement alerted police to the discovery of the abandoned Mercedes-Benz near the Monday River. Despite a police lockdown of various areas, the suspects remain at large.

This significant robbery occurred on "Día de Comando," a day when the high command of the National Police was present in Ciudad del Este to discuss new security strategies. Commander César Silguero had assured the public of the institution's commitment to restoring a sense of security. The timing of the assault, shortly after the authorities' departure, has drawn criticism and raised questions about the effectiveness of security measures in the heavily policed microcenter.