A group of international thieves primarily composed of Chilean nationals is accused of conducting a series of sophisticated ATM vault heists across the West Coast, making off with more than $2.5 million. The FBI, as reported by ABC10, believes this "South American theft group" utilized nighttime cover, painted over security cameras, employed cell phone jammers, and wielded blow torches to carry out their crimes. This recent string of robberies began in January, stretching from Southern California to Seattle and even including a bank in Houston.
During the heist operations, according to ABC7 News, suspects wore disguises such as construction vests and medical masks to avoid detection. Local businesses like a Modesto pet spa experienced break-ins collateral to the group's intended targets; the pet spa's wall was breached to access an adjacent ATM. Christin Boyster, the owner of the Modesto's Diamond in the Ruff Pet Spa, told ABC10 the incident left her feeling violated and hoping for justice. "For them to take advantage of that was really frustrating," she said, eager to see the perpetrators charged "to the full extent of the law."
The FBI's investigation into the crime spree gained traction after an attempted ATM heist in Merced led to the discovery of recurring tactics used in other thefts across the state. In Fresno and Clovis alone, the robbers successfully pilfered approximately $400,000 from several ATMs. The crew executed these crimes efficiently, with certain members responsible for distracting employees while others performed reconnaissance or masked their actions outside.
Investigative efforts by the FBI linked three vehicles to the ATM robberies, leading to a wider net being cast over the suspects. One of the vehicles, tied to an unlicensed rental car operation run by a Hollywood club promoter, was instrumental in locating the suspects, who hopped between Airbnbs to carry out their operations. A digital trail of AirTag signals, Airbnb reviews, and social media interactions facilitated the identification of a suspect list comprising ten individuals. To date, nine members have been arrested, with one potentially facing extradition to Chile on an unrelated case.
As the case unfolds, a community, represented in the likes of Boyster's pet spa, stitches its sense of security back together, bolstered by a collective yearning for justice. Further developments are expected following an upcoming court date on Wednesday, November 6 in Fresno, where if convicted, the defendants could face serious penalties for their alleged multi-state crime spree.
