‘The King of Car Break-Ins’ arrested again after string of robberies in Asunción

Juan Pablo Guapi Benítez, known as “The King of Car Break-Ins,” was arrested again in Asunción, this time alongside his son-in-law, after police followed a red Toyota Vitz allegedly used in a series of thefts from parked cars.

Police detained Guapi, 55, and Carles Adalberto Valenzuela Mencia, 32, on Tuesday afternoon near Eusebio Ayala Avenue and Bartolomé de las Casas in the Vista Alegre neighborhood. Officers intercepted them as they were preparing to get into the vehicle, which carried a large number of tools.

Authorities said both men have records for aggravated robbery. They had remained free under alternative measures to imprisonment and, according to police spokespeople, continued operating in Asunción, particularly on weekends. Investigators said they had carried out repeated attacks on parked vehicles.

The latest reported incident took place on Monday night on Máximo Santos Avenue in the Las Mercedes neighborhood. The suspects allegedly smashed the windows of a white Hyundai HB20 belonging to Carla Andrea Arza Richer and took a tablet, two laptops, computer equipment and jewelry.

After receiving the complaint, investigators obtained clearer images of the car used in the theft. Officers later located the red Toyota Vitz, reportedly rented, and placed it under surveillance. Inside, they found the tools, mobile phones, two signal jammers and a laser distance meter. Guapi and his son-in-law, who police said each have more than 10 prior records, were taken to the Investigations Department with the evidence.