Mato Grosso police investigate hostage robberies in Cuiabá and Juara

Police in Mato Grosso are investigating separate violent robberies in Cuiabá and Juara where families were held hostage in wooded areas.

In Cuiabá, the Civil Police launched ‘Operação Pele de Cordeiro’ to investigate a March 17 incident where armed criminals robbed a family of over R$ 95,000 in cash, gold, and electronics. The victims were tied up and taken to a forest, where they were forced to make bank transfers via Pix under threat of violence. Investigators are looking into whether an acquaintance provided information about the family's routine.

In Juara, a separate incident occurred on Wednesday morning when at least four armed individuals invaded a residence. The residents were bound and moved to a wooded area. After one suspect left the scene, the victims managed to free themselves and contact authorities. The Military Police have arrested two suspects and seized a weapon, though the vehicle used in the escape remains missing.