Scottsdale Joins List of Cities Hit by Nationwide 'Tourist Burglary' Epidemic

Federal prosecutors have recently detained six individuals connected to a “tourist burglary” operation that targeted cities across the United States. The suspects are alleged to have recruited burglars from South America, primarily Chile, to execute crimes during tourist visits.

The arrests were announced as part of a broader investigation into a scheme that reportedly spanned from January 2018 to July 2024. Federal court documents reveal that one defendant is accused of generating over $5 million from the sale of stolen goods and transferring similar amounts to various bank accounts.

Among those arrested are Juan Carlos Thola-Duran, Ana Maria Arrigada, and John Carlo Thora. Thola and Arrigada are said to have orchestrated the operation from a rental car business, which served as a base for dispatching teams of thieves across the country.

The illegal enterprise involved renting luxury vehicles to accomplices at a rate of approximately $500 per week. Thieves were also required to secure fraudulent identification documents, allowing them to travel across various cities while committing crimes.

Stolen items were subsequently shipped back to organizers in California, where they were sold, with profits shared with the burglars. The indictment details tactics used, including rapid spending on electronics and luxury goods using stolen credit and debit cards, often within hours of theft to avoid detection.

Investigators highlighted a specific incident from January 2023 near a Scottsdale trailhead, where over $500 in cash and stolen cards were used to acquire multiple gift cards from a Chandler Sam’s Club. Evidence indicates that Arrigada later utilized these cards for personal expenses.

All six suspects now face multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. If convicted, Thola and Arrigada could face significant prison sentences, potentially totaling 200 years.

The issue of organized burglaries in Scottsdale has been escalating, with locals reporting a series of break-ins termed “Dinnertime burglaries.” As per police notes, these crimes typically occur when residents are away during the evening hours.

Scottsdale Police Chief Jeff Walther indicated that the rise in sophisticated techniques among these burglars is alarming. Many of the identified suspects have been linked to a South American crime syndicate engaging in methods that have become increasingly advanced since their first emergence in the area in 2019.

Walther noted that targets often include cash, luxury purses, and jewelry, while avoiding items that could be traced back to them. Investigators are currently examining potential links between this crime ring and other recent burglaries in the region, although the U.S. Attorney’s Office has yet to draw any definitive conclusions.