A sophisticated group of criminals, primarily from Chile, embarked on a brazen series of bank heists across California, netting approximately $2.5 million in stolen cash. Federal prosecutors have now charged ten individuals believed to be part of this audacious crew.
The group, dubbed the "South American Theft Group" by the FBI, employed an array of tactics to carry out their robberies. They disguised themselves as construction workers and medical professionals, wearing vests and surgical masks to blend in. Their arsenal included high-tech equipment such as signal jammers to disable security systems, as well as more traditional tools like sledgehammers and blowtorches.
Their modus operandi involved meticulous planning. The crew would scout locations in advance, often targeting banks with vulnerable adjacent businesses. They would then break into these neighboring units to gain access to the bank's ATM vaults. In one instance, they entered a pet spa next to a Wells Fargo in Fresno, distracting an employee while testing the durability of a shared wall.
The group's crime spree stretched from Long Beach to Yuba City, with over a dozen robberies or attempted heists between June and September. Their largest single haul was $226,000 from a Golden 1 Credit Union branch in Auburn.
Law enforcement's breakthrough came when they linked three vehicles to the robbery locations. These included a silver Chevrolet Suburban, a silver Audi SUV, and a white Ford Explorer. Unbeknownst to the criminals, one of the vehicles was equipped with an Apple AirTag, allowing authorities to track their movements.
Further investigation revealed that the group used Airbnb rentals as temporary bases. Surveillance footage from these locations showed the suspects moving equipment matching that used in the robberies.
The final act of this crime drama unfolded in the Pacific Northwest. After becoming suspicious of police surveillance, the group fled an Airbnb in Oregon, leaving behind incriminating evidence. They were ultimately apprehended in Seattle, where FBI agents recovered about $20,000 in cash along with clothing and backpacks matching those used in previous heists.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of organized crime, showcasing how international groups can exploit technology and local services to carry out sophisticated criminal operations across state lines.