A Criminal Strategy Never Seen Before in the City
According to Infobae, the peace of Buenos Aires streets was threatened by a gang that perfected the crime known as "salideras bancarias" (bank exit robberies). This type of theft involves waiting for victims outside financial institutions after they have withdrawn large sums of money, then following them and assaulting them in public.
The Successful Work of Security Forces
Thanks to detailed observation of security cameras by the Buenos Aires City Police and the hard work of the Federal Police's Organized Robbery Division, the justice system identified and cornered the perpetrators. The prosecution led by Leonel Gómez Barbella and Judge Martín Yadarola gathered compelling evidence to bring eight defendants to trial, highlighting the inter-agency coordination that restores peace to residents.
The Modus Operandi and Astonishing Robberies
Heist in the Financial District
The victim had just cashed 200,000 US dollars from the sale of a field in Balcarce. A man on an electric bicycle started the pursuit, soon joined by three motorcycles and three cars. After threatening the victim, they snatched the backpack and escaped.
Operation on Av. Corrientes
Two men carried out a transaction for 14 million Argentine pesos (approximately $11,000 USD at the time). Unbeknownst to them, they were followed by a person on an electric scooter. At Alcorta and Monroe streets, four motorcycles intercepted the van, smashed the windows, and made off with the loot.
The Gang's Daring Vehicle Fleet
To avoid losing their targets in Buenos Aires' heavy traffic, the criminals used a varied and highly mobile fleet:
- Bicycles: One electric three-spoke and one pedal bike.
- Scooter: Electric, used to weave through traffic.
- Motorcycles: Yamaha FZ, KTM Duke, Bajaj Dominar, Honda Twister.
- Cars: Peugeot 207, Peugeot 208, VW Gol Trend, VW Amarok, Lifan X50, Ford Fiesta, Renault Sandero Stepway.
The Defendants and the Pursuit of Justice
The National Criminal and Correctional Prosecutor's Office No. 32 requested a partial elevation to trial for eight defendants on charges of criminal association, two of whom are Colombian nationals. The alleged leader of the gang is Román Ezequiel Borelli (25 years old), nicknamed "Pollo", who worked in the family funeral home. Also implicated is Óscar Alfredo Bullones (73 years old), a retired man from Mendoza who owns a car dealership in the Pompeya neighborhood, allegedly providing the vehicles.
This judicial progress is a major step forward in discouraging such crimes and ensuring the safety of citizens who travel daily through the city.