Brazilian Repeat Offender Arrested Again for Using Counterfeit Money

Pedro Espinola Special Correspondent

mesa.entrada@senatur.gov.py | 2025-06-27 07:42:55

 

PEDRO JUAN CABALLERO, Paraguay – Eduardo Sanabria Souza, a 29-year-old Brazilian national who had been deported from Paraguay twice, has been arrested again after attempting to use counterfeit currency. It has been revealed that he is also wanted in Brazil for homicide robbery and aggravated robbery, causing considerable shock.

Bold Counterfeit Distribution Attempt and Swift Arrest 

The incident began last Wednesday around 1 PM at a store in Pedro Juan Caballero city. A man entered the store and then immediately exited, displaying suspicious behavior. The store owner promptly reported him to the police. Upon receiving the report, a patrol unit from the 1st Police Station searched the area around Cerro León and Julia Miranda Cueto streets, where they located Sanabria Souza, a person already well-known to the police.

Upon his arrest, 13 counterfeit 100,000 Guaraní bills were found in Sanabria Souza's possession. It was determined that he had intended to circulate these counterfeit notes. His audacious attempt caused unease in the local community, but the quick report from the store owner and the swift police response prevented further damage.

Habitual Re-entry and Serious Criminal Record 

Sanabria Souza is reportedly from Londrina, Paraná, Brazil, and has a history of being deported from Paraguay twice. Most recently, he was arrested and deported in March, yet he illegally re-entered Paraguay and committed this crime just a few months later. This incident not only highlights loopholes in Paraguay's border control system but also demonstrates the serious nature of his habitual criminal activities.

Even more shocking is his criminal background. According to records from the Paraná State Court, two arrest warrants had already been issued for Sanabria Souza in Brazil for homicide robbery (robo con resultado de muerte) and aggravated robbery (robo agravado). This suggests he is not merely a counterfeit money offender but a dangerous individual involved in much more serious violent crimes. His continuous re-entry into Paraguay raises concerns about a severe threat to Paraguay's domestic security.

Unregistered Motorcycle Operation and Current Status 

At the time of his arrest, Sanabria Souza was operating an unregistered motorcycle. This further confirms that he was committing crimes while residing illegally in the country. He is currently being held at the 1st Police Station in Pedro Juan Caballero, and Paraguayan authorities will determine his disposition, including any additional crimes and coordination with Brazil.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of border crime issues and the movement of international criminals. There is an urgent need for more robust and effective measures to control the activities of cross-border criminals through closer information sharing and joint investigations between Paraguay and Brazil. In particular, it is crucial to establish more stringent and effective response measures for foreign criminals who habitually disregard deportation orders and re-enter the country.

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