Five men were arrested by the Civil Police in Curitiba on Thursday, suspected of being part of a gang that specializes in the theft of Rolex watches from drivers of luxury cars. The group, which is originally from São Paulo, targeted affluent neighborhoods in the Paraná capital, executing their plan in a coordinated manner. One suspect, riding a motorcycle, would identify potential victims wearing luxury watches and alert two accomplices who would then carry out the theft. This organized operation has been linked to at least four robberies since November 2025, with victims driving high-end vehicles like Porsche, Ferrari, Mustang, and Audi R8.

The police indicated that at least two of the arrested suspects resided in São Paulo and had connections to local co-conspirators in Curitiba who facilitated their operations. These local contacts helped secure accommodations and motorcycles necessary for carrying out the crimes, as well as providing storage for the stolen watches. The arrests came as a result of ongoing investigations into the organized crime that has plagued affluent areas, highlighting the alarming trend of luxury item thefts.

This latest police action underscores the concerted efforts by law enforcement to combat organized crime in urban settings like Curitiba, where the incidence of targeted thefts has raised security concerns among residents. The authorities’ swift response not only aims to disrupt this criminal enterprise but also sends a clear message to potential offenders about the increased scrutiny and vigilance in protecting luxury properties and personal belongings.