The bank robbery in Colón resulted in three convictions following a police operation by the Ministry of the Interior. Three people were convicted following an investigation that included police operations, weapons seizures, and intelligence follow-up. However, a fourth suspect remains at large, keeping the investigation open.
1. How was the Scotiabank robbery in Colón?
On August 11, a group of criminals broke into the Scotiabank located at Garzón and Lezica Streets in the Colón neighborhood. Their goal was to access the money in the safe, but the security systems thwarted the plan.
During the robbery, the criminals threatened employees and security guards. Although they failed to open the vault, they stole the manager's wallet, which contained approximately 20,000 pesos. To escape, they used a pickup truck and motorcycles, and threw "miguelitos" to slow the police pursuit.
2. The Ministry of the Interior's investigation
The Complex Crimes Operations Area led the investigation, cross-referencing intelligence and camera analysis. Within a few days, they identified three suspects with criminal records. The case was transferred to the 10th Shift Flagrancy Prosecutor's Office.
3. Arrests and sentences after the operation
Following the operation, two men, ages 29 and 33, and a 33-year-old woman were arrested. The court ordered:
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33-year-old man : 90 days' pretrial detention for aggravated robbery and arms trafficking.
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29-year-old man : electronic anklet, border closure and address determination for aggravated theft and arms trafficking.
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33-year-old woman : prohibited from leaving the country and obligation to establish a residence.
4. 7 shocking facts about the case
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The safe was not breached thanks to the security systems.
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The loot was limited to the manager's wallet: $20,000.
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The criminals used miguelitos to stop the patrol cars.
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More than 300 rounds of ammunition were seized.
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Drugs, money and cell phones were also found.
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One of the vehicles used was seized.
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A suspect remains at large and has an active warrant.
5. Fugitive suspect and warrant
A fourth suspect has not yet been located. The police are continuing the search and have not ruled out further charges. The Ministry of the Interior confirmed that the case is not closed.
6. Evidence seized in the raids
During the investigation, two revolvers, ammunition, cash, drugs, and clothing linked to the robbery were found. These elements strengthened the prosecution's case.
7. Repercussions on the security of Montevideo
The Scotiabank robbery in Colón has once again brought bank security in Montevideo into the spotlight. These types of incidents, although less frequent than in past decades, are alarming among customers and employees in the financial sector.
8. Conclusion and open debate
The conviction of three suspects represents progress, but the case is not yet closed. Police are working to capture the fugitive suspect and completely dismantle the gang.
👉 Do you think bank security measures in Uruguay are sufficient to prevent robberies like the one in Colón?
