Two Arrested in $500,000 Cell Phone Heist in Paraguay

Police in Saltos del Guairá have arrested two individuals suspected of involvement in a large-scale theft of high-end cell phones valued at around $500,000. The heist occurred on August 16 from a warehouse belonging to the transport company Trans Sur.

Favio Leandro Cáeceres Quintana, 30, and Carles Daniel Almada Gauto, 29, were identified as key figures in the operation. Quintana is believed to be one of the perpetrators who physically carried out the theft, while Gauto is considered a logistical member of the group.

Investigators were able to track the stolen goods using GPS devices embedded in some of the cell phone packages. Although the thieves reportedly attempted to neutralize these trackers, possibly using jammers, the devices managed to emit signals briefly. These signals led authorities to a location in La Paloma where the merchandise was transferred to other vehicles.

At this transfer point, investigators found license plates and accessories belonging to a Toyota Hilux, along with documents in Quintana's name. A Volkswagen Voyage, suspected of being used in the theft and later burned to destroy evidence, was also discovered abandoned on a nearby highway. The investigation is ongoing.