Three Brazilians arrested in jewellery robbery at Santa Cruz shopping centre; fourth suspect remains at large
Police have apprehended three of the four men who robbed a jewellery store at a shopping centre in Santa Cruz. A fourth suspect remains at large with the majority of the stolen jewels.
Three Brazilians detained following armed jewellery robbery at shopping centre in Santa Cruz
Three of the four men who robbed a jewellery store at a shopping centre in Santa Cruz de la Sierra were captured by the Bolivian Police following intensive operations in the city. The fourth member of the group remains at large, according to confirmation from El Deber.
Government Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo confirmed that the four individuals involved are of Brazilian nationality. Part of the stolen jewels were recovered from the detainees; however, the majority of the haul remained in the hands of the fugitive.
The robbery took place on the evening of Sunday 11 October, after 19:00 hours. Four armed men entered the establishment, threatened workers and customers, and emptied the premises. Security cameras recorded the operation: three of the four entered the jewellery store directly, whilst they allowed four people to leave, including two minors. Four other people remained detained inside the premises.
A female employee was implicated as a suspected accomplice in the incident. After appearing before a judge, she was released, though under preventive detention and with additional restrictions.
Following the robbery, Police activated plan "Z", mobilising all its operational and tactical units. Operations intensified over the following days and resulted in the apprehension of individuals, as well as the seizure of vehicles, weapons and money linked to the case.
Source: El Deber