Gang Abandons Money After Robbery in Criciuma SC; Four Arrested With R$810,000

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – The gang that broke into a bank branch building in the city of Criciúma, Santa Catarina State, to steal a treasury safe, between late Monday night, November 30th, and early Tuesday morning, December 1st, left hundreds of banknotes scattered on the streets as they fled the scene.

Four men were arrested for stealing the banknotes abandoned by the criminals. According to the Civil Police, they were found in an apartment with over R$810,000 (US$162,000) in two suitcases. Two 24-year-olds and two others aged between 27 and 28 should be referred to the Regional Prison. Furthermore, the police found approximately R$300,000 scattered on the streets.

Responsible for the case, Detective Ulysses Gabriel said the money the gang was unable to take was abandoned on the streets, in bags and backpacks. All the banknotes have been collected and the police will try to determine if more people took the money.

According to the police, the money was taken from the safe, which was the criminal gang’s target. The total amount stolen has not yet been disclosed. The explosion caused during the robbery damaged the regional treasury building, which is next to a bank branch in the city center.

Furthermore, the heavily armed gang set fires, blocked streets and access to the city, shot at the State Police Battalion, and used hostages as shields. During the attack, which lasted just over an hour, the criminals fired several shots. Two people were injured: a state police officer and a security guard.

Source: G1