Contagem, Brazil — September 8, 2026: Brazilian police have arrested four men accused of preparing to rob a bank branch in Contagem, in the metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte.

The suspects, aged between 35 and 50, were detained on Monday after military police noticed suspicious activity near a bank branch on Avenida João César de Oliveira. Investigators believe the group had been observing the location for about a month while preparing a way to reach the bank’s vault.

Police said the alleged plan was interrupted before the suspects could reach the bank’s money. Officers reportedly discovered a specialized drilling machine at a nearby parking area. Investigators believe the equipment was intended to create an opening through the floor and provide access to the vault.

Authorities said the group allegedly estimated that more than R$1 million could be inside the branch, although police did not confirm how much cash was actually stored there. The suspects reportedly had previous records involving bank robberies and may have operated in other Brazilian states.

According to investigators, the men are from Joinville, Santa Catarina, and had allegedly travelled between states looking for potential bank targets. Police believe the group spent considerable time studying the routine around selected locations before attempting an operation.

The vehicle allegedly used by the suspects was also examined by investigators. Police said it had previously been stolen in Belo Horizonte and was carrying a cloned registration plate.

The four men were taken to a Civil Police station for further legal proceedings. Investigators are now examining whether the group is connected to other attempted or completed bank robberies in Brazil.

Police are continuing to gather evidence and investigate the suspects’ alleged activities. The accusations have not yet been established in court, and the detained individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty through the judicial process.