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A Silent Excavation, Months of Planning, and a Hidden Tunnel Surprised Experienced Investigators in Montevideo
At first glance, the abandoned commercial building at the corner of Colón and 25 de Mayo streets seemed just another forgotten property in the historic center of Montevideo. However, beneath the floor of the site, agents discovered something much larger. A clandestine tunnel, strategically excavated, connected the property directly to the city’s sewage system.
Since then, the discovery has mobilized security forces and drawn public attention. The information was released by the Ministry of the Interior of Uruguay, which also published previously unseen images of the operation. In addition, the agency detailed the advances of the investigation dubbed Operation Shield.
According to the authorities, the tunnel could have been used in a large-scale bank robbery. For this reason, the case quickly began to be compared to the famous “heist of the century,” which occurred in Argentina in 2006.
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How the Clandestine Tunnel Worked and Why the Police Decided to Act Before the Crime
According to the investigators, the suspects began excavation within an abandoned commercial property. From that point, the tunnel advanced towards Montevideo’s sewage system. This way, the criminals would have discreet access to different areas of the Ciudad Vieja neighborhood.
The released images show only the first part analyzed by the police. Even so, they reveal the complexity of the structure. The agents needed to move with physical effort, as the space is narrow, damp, and difficult to navigate. Furthermore, the environment presents constant risks, requiring support from the Fire Department and forensic experts.
Meanwhile, teams from the Directorate for the Suppression of Illicit Drug Trafficking continue to map the complete route of the tunnel. According to an official statement, the objective is to identify all underground connections and confirm how far the excavation progressed. So far, 10 people have been arrested, and one remains at large.
Arrests, Foreigners Involved, and the Connection to the “Heist of the Century” in Argentina
Throughout the operation, the Uruguayan police arrested ten suspects directly linked to the attempted robbery. As confirmed by the Ministry of the Interior, among those arrested are Brazilian and Paraguayan citizens, reinforcing the international nature of the gang.
The Minister of the Interior, Carlos Negro, explained that the investigation began about two months prior to the police action. According to him, the agents were already monitoring unusual movements at the property. From that, they concluded that the tunnel was under construction and would likely lead to a bank in the area.
During a press conference, Negro compared the plan to the robbery of Banco Río, which occurred on January 13, 2006, in Acassuso, Argentina. In that case, a gang led by the Uruguayan Luis Mario Vitette Sellanes used a tunnel to steal millions without firing a shot. For this reason, the crime became known as the “heist of the century.”
“We cannot wait for the crime to happen. We need to act before,” the minister stated. According to him, the anticipation of the operation prevented a million-dollar loss and potential risks to the public.
The Rented Property, the Start of the Plan, and the Next Steps of the Investigation
The starting point of the excavation is located in a commercial establishment situated in a strategic area of Ciudad Vieja. According to Carlos Negro, the property has been rented since mid-2025. This information helps estimate when the crime’s planning began.
Out of the first nine arrests, five occurred inside the tunnel or in the sewers. The other four took place in El Pinar, another region of the country. Subsequently, the police confirmed the tenth arrest.
Meanwhile, the investigation continues. Authorities are looking to identify if there are more involved, whether the masterminds of the plan are already in custody, and which bank would be the final target. In addition, forensic teams are continuing to gather new evidence from the underground of Montevideo.
Do you believe that this plan would have become the largest robbery in the history of Uruguay if it hadn’t been discovered in time?
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