Guatemalan Police Uncover Heist Using Fake Law Enforcement Uniforms

Mixco, Guatemala – A daring home invasion in Guatemala City has exposed a concerning trend of criminals impersonating government officials to carry out their schemes. Guatemalan authorities have arrested Carlo N., a 35-year-old suspect, in connection with a robbery that took place on August 22 in the Supplier Accommodation area.

"Fake MP employee caught for plagiarism or aggravated kidnapping and theft," tweeted the PNC de Guatemala, the country’s National Civil Police.

Carlo N.’s arrest followed a court-ordered warrant issued on November 29. Authorities apprehended him in the Monte Real district of Mixco and discovered a trove of stolen goods.

The robbery, which netted an estimated 400,000 Guatemalan quetzals (approximately $52,500 USD), targeted a private residence. The perpetrators, posing as Ministry of Public (MP) personnel, gained entry by exploiting the trust associated with official uniforms. Their haul included four mobile phones, 300,000 quetzals in cash, two pistols (a HS and a Glock), and jewelry valued at 70,000 quetzals.

Adding another layer to the investigation, police located the getaway vehicle, a gray Hyundai, abandoned at the Mix shopping center. Inside, they found identification documents, two firearms – one of which had been previously reported stolen – and a mobile phone connected to the crime.

This incident raises serious concerns about a rise in criminals exploiting the public’s trust in law enforcement.

“The use symbolic clothing BP has raised warnings about criminal tactics designed to exploit trust in official institutions. The authorities urge the public to verify the identity of those who present themselves as employees of public organizations,” warned officials in a statement.

Carlo N. now faces legal proceedings for aggravated kidnapping and robbery. Guatemalan authorities continue to investigate the case, working to identify and apprehend his accomplices.

This story highlights the global challenges law enforcement agencies face in adapting to increasingly sophisticated criminal tactics. The use of official uniforms by criminals poses a unique threat, eroding public trust and demanding heightened vigilance from citizens.

Fake MP employee caught for plagiarism or aggravated kidnapping and theft

In compliance with an order dated November 29 issued by a Guatemalan court for plagiarism or kidnapping and aggravated robbery, government police officers #DEC They arrested Carlo “N”, 35 years old, in zone 4 of Mixco. pic.twitter.com/ssqfvlFi1o

– PNC of Guatemala (@PNCdeGuatemala) December 3, 2024