South American Criminal Gang Targeting High-End Homes in Phoenix Area, Three Chilean Citizens Arrested

A South American gang, including three Chilean citizens living in the U.S. illegally, has been arrested for committing a series of high-end home thefts in the Phoenix area. The group is suspected of at least 111 incidents since February 2023, primarily on weekends, resulting in approximately $3 million in stolen cash, jewelry, and other items.

The suspects were found to be operating near golf courses or open areas, enabling them to approach homes inconspicuously. They also reportedly used technology to interfere with home surveillance cameras during the burglaries. 

Gang of Illegal Immigrants had Arrested

The arrests followed information received from California law enforcement investigating members of the same group, leading Arizona authorities to the Camelback Mountain area. The suspects were identified as Ellen Gutierrez Saez, Johan Salvo Alacon, and Manuel Eduardo Fuentes Gomez. If convicted, they could face charges of robbery, fraud, and trafficking of stolen property. The crimes were committed in Phoenix and several adjacent suburbs, including Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Chandler, Gilbert, and Peoria. 

The arrests are part of a crackdown on a broader criminal network operating in the U.S. The suspects have been linked to a criminal network involved in various illegal activities, including robberies, fraud, and trafficking of stolen property. The suspects are believed to be part of a larger criminal organization that commits various offenses, including robberies, fraud, and trafficking stolen goods.