Security
South American thief group targets ATMs in California, Texas and Oregon
November 8, 2024
Investigators uncovered a South American criminal ring that is targeting ATMs in Texas, California and Oregon after indicting 11 people. The group allegedly used heavy equipment, Airbnb rentals and a car ring to quickly steal cash from ATMs from May to October 2024, according to a report by KCRA.
The group would usually break into rooms with wall-mounted ATMs, disable the security cameras and break into the ATMs to steal cash. Authorities first noticed a connection when they saw that a Chevrolet Surburban had been used at several of the ATM thefts. From there, federal agents were able to track down several members of the group to Airbnbs in Seattle, where the arrests took place.
The indictment accuses the crew had stolen more than $1.5 million from ATMs in California alone, with a wide variety of banks targeted including Tri Counties Bank, Wells Fargo, Golden 1 Credit Union and others. If convicted, the 11 individuals could face up to 25 years in prison.
