Police in Los Angeles have recovered nearly $4 million worth of stolen goods linked to a South American crime ring. The haul includes a variety of items, such as coffee, tequila, shoes, body wash, pet food, and expensive bitcoin-mining computers.
The investigation led to the arrests of two men: 41-year-old Oscar David Borrero-Manchola and 26-year-old Yonaiker Rafael Martinez-Ramos. They were taken into custody for their roles in stealing, selling, and moving stolen cargo, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Detectives found around $1.2 million worth of stolen items stored in facilities located in the San Fernando Valley. Among the recovered goods were speakers, clothing, and other valuables. Additionally, police intercepted a shipment of bitcoin-mining computers valued at $2.7 million, which was set to be shipped to Hong Kong.
The cargo theft unit of the LAPD, working alongside the Los Angeles Port Police and other agencies, conducted multiple search warrants and investigations to track down the stolen property.
Borrero-Manchola was arrested on April 15 and booked into a jail in Van Nuys on suspicion of receiving stolen property. He was released the next day and is scheduled to appear in court on May 7. Martinez-Ramos was arrested later on a no-bail warrant and is currently in custody, awaiting a court appearance.
Authorities say the investigation is ongoing, and more arrests may follow. This case highlights a troubling trend of theft rings from South America targeting affluent neighborhoods in California. These groups often enter the country on tourist visas and have been linked to a rise in high-profile burglaries in the region.
In recent months, law enforcement has seen an uptick in similar incidents, including arrests of other suspects involved in burglary rings that specifically target wealthy homes. As police continue their efforts to combat these crimes, they emphasize the importance of community awareness and vigilance.