Three individuals tied to so-called Transnational Theft Groups have been arrested following a series of organized thefts across Placer County, as detailed by the Placer County Sheriff's Office. These suspects, said to have been involved in sophisticated and coordinated criminal activities that span affluent homes and retail outlets, were captured after an extensive investigation, as shared in a recent social media post from the Sheriff's Office.
In their latest scheme, the crime ring members attempted to distract and rob Safeway customers in North Auburn; they managed to walk away with wallets and phones before using stolen cards for fraudulent transactions. However, detectives were successful in identifying their getaway vehicles, which led to their arrests, during which evidence suggested these individuals planned to raid a high-end residence in South Placer County. Carlos Mario Corredor-Lamprea, Jose Boade-Payares, and Ivon Vergararincon, all reportedly in the country illegally from South America, face charges for their roles in this multistate crime wave.
Complicating the fight against organized retail theft is Senate Bill 54 (SB 54), which as Placer County Sheriff Wayne Woo asserts, limits local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities and, in turn, negatively affects public safety. "These groups are responsible for significant financial losses among residents and business owners," Sheriff Woo stated, as reported by the Placer County Sheriff's Office. He expressed frustration that offenders are often released back into the community because the deputies' hands are tied when it comes to communicating with federal partners like ICE.
The investigation remains active, with law enforcement urging any additional victims or individuals with information to contact the Placer County Sheriff's Office. Photos of the suspects have been released in hopes that more people will recognize them and assist in the case.
