Operation Chronos arrests two members of 'Rolex Gang' for thefts worth R$ 480,000 in Porto Alegre
Rio Grande do Sul Civil Police arrested two members of the 'Rolex Gang' in Taboão da Serra (SP), suspected of luxury watch robberies in Porto Alegre.
São Paulo gang specialised in luxury watches targeted in police operation in RS
Rio Grande do Sul Civil Police arrested two men on Thursday (15) during Operation Chronos, launched against the so-called "Rolex Gang". According to g1.globo.com, the arrests took place in Taboão da Serra, in the Greater São Paulo area, whilst a vehicle was seized in Porto Alegre. The identities of those detained were not disclosed.
The group, originating from the state of São Paulo, operates in Porto Alegre and other cities across the country with a focus on luxury watch robberies. The investigation indicates that the losses caused by the two suspects total approximately R$ 480,000 in watches taken from victims.
Action filmed in restaurant with child present
One of the arrested individuals is linked to at least three robberies in March 2025, all in Porto Alegre. In one case, recorded by security cameras in a restaurant in the Moinhos de Vento district, the suspect pointed a weapon at a family waiting to be served—with a child in the group—and took a watch from one of the adults.
The second detainee is being investigated for an attempted robbery also captured on video, in the same district. In the footage, he points the weapon at the window of a parked car in front of a supermarket, but flees before the two occupants hand over their watches.
The operation was conducted by the 3rd Police Station of Porto Alegre, under coordination of delegate Gustavo Silveira Pereira, with investigative and operational support from the 4th Station of the Division of Investigations into Crimes against Property (DEIC/SP). In the Restinga district in Porto Alegre, a search and seizure warrant was carried out at a property linked to the local support structure of those under investigation.
Group recognises watches from a distance and already has receivers in SP
Delegate Gustavo Silveira Pereira described the gang's modus operandi. "This is a crime that happens throughout Brazil. The group specialises in luxury watch robbery; they tend to recognise these watches from a distance. They steal these watches here, using violence and/or serious threat, and they already have receivers ready in São Paulo," he stated.
According to the delegate, the members have logistical support from accomplices based in Porto Alegre and the Metropolitan Region. "They use support from individuals here in Porto Alegre and in the Metropolitan Region, who lend them weapons, motorcycles and a support point. They generally stay for between 3 and 4 days to a week and primarily in areas of heavy vehicle circulation in upscale neighbourhoods, keeping watch for luxury vehicles," he explained.
Seven São Paulo criminals arrested in Porto Alegre in the past year
Rio Grande do Sul Civil Police has monitored this type of crime at least since 2022. Delegate Rodrigo Bozzetto, director of the Regional Police Station of Porto Alegre, highlighted the recent arrest history.
"Over the past year, we have already arrested seven São Paulo criminals. Two of them came to Porto Alegre on a Thursday, carried out robberies on Friday and Saturday, and by Tuesday we managed to arrest them with watches of great added value. Two other criminals we arrested at the airport, already carrying the watches," Bozzetto reported.
Source: Google News BR — São Paulo