In the midst of the increase in commercial circulation typical at the end of the year, the Cali authorities deployed a series of simultaneous operations that allowed the capture of 12 people linked, according to investigations, to various forms of theft and fraud that had been affecting formal commerce in several communes of the city.

The offensive, carried out by the Santiago de Cali Metropolitan Police, focused on structures identified as appropriating merchandise through theft, committing robberies with firearms and carrying out deception through consignments and bad checks, affecting distributors, commercial establishments and chain stores.

One of the most significant blows was the dismantling of the group known as ‘Los tiadores’, which operated through digital scams. In four raids, four people were captured and more than 40 checks, multiple bank cards and around 80 blank deposit forms were seized.

According to the investigative process, this organization would have managed to close false purchases of computer equipment, cell phones and household appliances, and then pay with documents that were later rejected due to lack of funds. At least nine cases have been clarified, with damage exceeding 300 million pesos.

In another operation, carried out in Terrón Colorado, two foreign men were surprised when they were trying to take toiletries from a chain store. The authorities indicated that they would be related to about 20 thefts of similar characteristics, with losses of more than 25 million pesos.

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The Police also reported the capture of two subjects in the Guayacanes neighborhood, after they violently entered a bakery to steal money and cell phones. The immediate denunciation of those affected and the deployment of the ‘Candado’ plan allowed his arrest a few minutes later, as well as the seizure of a revolver with five cartridges.

In the Limonar neighborhood, another individual was arrested, caught after stripping a client of a commercial establishment of his belongings. In this case, the authorities recovered objects valued at eight million pesos and seized a traumatic weapon allegedly used in the incident.

Finally, in the Municipal sector, four men traveling on three motorcycles were captured when, apparently, they were preparing to commit a robbery. According to the first investigations, they would be part of a structure with a presence in Commune 21.

All of the detainees were placed at the disposal of the Attorney General’s Office for crimes such as qualified and aggravated robbery, conspiracy to commit a crime, illegal possession of firearms, fraud and attempted homicide.

The Metropolitan Police reiterated its call to citizens to report any criminal activity and provide information that will continue to affect the finances and operations of these criminal structures.