Two Arrested in Cattle Theft Investigation in São Paulo Interior

São Paulo Civil Police launched "Operation False Lasso" on Thursday, February 2nd, to investigate four cattle thefts that occurred in the rural areas of Anhumas and neighboring municipalities throughout 2025. Two individuals were arrested as part of the operation, which involved specialized teams from the Interior Judicial Police Department (Deinter 8) and participation from the Civil Police of Anhumas and Piquerobi. The action was simultaneously carried out in Presidente Prudente, Mirante do Paranapanema, and Pirapozinho. Addresses in two Paraná cities, Iguaraçu and Atalaia, were also targeted. During the execution of judicial orders, firearms and ammunition were seized. Investigations indicate that a truck belonging to one of the suspects was used to transport the stolen cattle. In addition to eight identified suspects, a ninth man was identified during the operation as a potential member of the criminal group, believed to be the truck driver. The seized armaments and materials will undergo forensic examination, while the suspects have denied involvement. The investigation began after reports of four cattle thefts, all attributed to the same criminal group, which caused significant financial losses to local ranchers. The Civil Police will continue to analyze the seized evidence and are working to identify the recipients of the stolen animals, which have not yet been recovered, and to criminally hold all members of the criminal association accountable.