Approximately $4 million of the stolen cargo was recovered by police in an incident involving a South American crime ring that looted coffee, tequila, shoes, body wash, pet food and a Bitcoin mining computer.
Police have arrested Oscar’s David Bolero Mancola, 41, and Yonaiker Rafael Martinez Ramos, 26, for theft, sales and campaigning of stolen cargo, Los Angeles police said in a news release.
Approximately $1.2 million worth of stolen items were found at a storage unit facility in the San Fernando Valley, where police found speakers, clothing and other items. The detective was also able to intercept the shipment of stolen Bitcoin mining computers set up to be loaded onto planes heading to Hong Kong.
The stolen computer was valued at $2.7 million, police said.
The investigation included various search warrants and other detective work from the Los Angeles Police Department’s cargo theft squad in conjunction with the Los Angeles Port Police, Union Pacific Police Department and Los Angeles World Airport Police.
Borrero-Manchola was arrested on April 15th and booked at Van Nuys prison on suspicion of receiving stolen property. According to prison records, he was released the following day at his own perception. He is scheduled to appear in court on May 7th.
Martinez Ramos was arrested on a warrant not to be released Sunday by Glendale police. He is in custody at the Men’s Central Prison and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday.
The investigation remains active and more arrests could be announced, police said.
South American theft group, also known as robber tourists, has arrived at the country on tourist visas in recent years, targeting wealthy enclaves across California, according to law enforcement.
Four Colombian men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit a robbery in May 2024 after a high-speed pursuit. One of the suspects allegedly threw a Wi-Fi jamer during the pursuit. This is the electronic device used to destroy home security cameras.
In February, seven Chileans were charged with conspiracy to commit interstate transport of stolen property after being allegedly breached and stole more than $2 million in valuables from a professional athlete’s home.
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