Three indicted for mega-heist in Santa Rita, Paraguay

Prosecutors have indicted three individuals arrested in connection with a massive heist targeting four banks and financial institutions in Santa Rita, Paraguay. The suspects, two men and a woman, were apprehended during a raid in Minga Guazú, Alto Paraná department.

During the operation, authorities seized five bulletproof vests, caltrops, a 12-gauge shotgun, two ski masks, numerous clothing items believed to have been used by the perpetrators, four cell phones, and a Toyota Axio car. The arrested individuals were identified as Leandro Alfredo Portillo Achucarro, 30; Emanuel Cidade Campos, 26; and Adriana Barboza Balmori, 34.

The Public Prosecutor's Office announced that the three face charges including aggravated robbery, hostage-taking, criminal association, aggravated theft, and violation of the Weapons Law. They are preliminarily considered direct perpetrators, and prosecutors have requested their pre-trial detention.

Leandro Alfredo Portillo Achucarro is reportedly wanted for his alleged involvement in the murder of money changer Estanislao Casco Acosta during an attempted robbery in October 2025. Emanuel Cidade Campos has prior records for bank robberies and drug trafficking in Brazil. Both are believed to be members of the First Capital Command (PCC) criminal organization, according to the Deputy Commander of the National Police.

The prosecution team, comprising Rocío Celeste González, María del Carmen Meza, and Edgar Miguel Benítez, alleges that the indicted individuals are part of the criminal organization responsible for the heist. The investigation suggests that around 20 hooded and heavily armed individuals stormed the central area of Santa Rita early Tuesday, June 16, 2026. They subdued police and security personnel before taking bank employees hostage and using explosives to steal cash. Explosives were detonated at GNB and Familiar banks, while devices at Ueno Bank and a currency exchange office failed to detonate.

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The prosecution maintains that the indicted individuals are members of the criminal organization that assaulted the banking and financial entities.