# Vehicle theft and seizure incidents in South America

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/vehicle-theft-and-seizure-incidents-in-south-america
> Updated: 2026-10-26T13:12:24.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Separate incidents involving stolen vehicles have been reported in Colombia and Paraguay.

In Maicao, Colombia, authorities recovered a pickup truck belonging to the local Mayor’s Office after it was stolen by armed men during transport from a mechanical workshop. No injuries were reported, and investigators are reviewing footage to identify the suspects.

In Pilar, Paraguay, police seized a Toyota Fortuner linked to Roberto Ariel Arce Rotela, the mayor of Mayor Martínez. The vehicle was identified as having a reported theft status in Brazil following a complaint by a Brazilian company. The seizure occurred after the mayor reportedly refused to surrender the vehicle for verification. This incident follows previous allegations linking the mayor to investigations involving narcotics.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-26: Mayor Martínez mayor's vehicle seized due to reported theft in Brazil

Paraguayan authorities seized a high-end Toyota Fortuner from a residence linked to Mayor Roberto Ariel Arce Rotela after it was reported stolen in Brazil.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mayor-martnez-mayors-vehicle-seized-due-to-reported-theft-in-brazil

### 2026-09-29: Maicao Mayor's Office vehicle recovered after armed robbery

A vehicle belonging to the Maicao Mayor's Office in Colombia was recovered by authorities after being stolen at gunpoint from a mechanical workshop.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/maicao-mayors-office-vehicle-recovered-after-armed-robbery

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Cite as: Vehicle theft and seizure incidents in South America. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/vehicle-theft-and-seizure-incidents-in-south-america
