Authorities report a significant uptick in organized thefts across the US, with crime tourists exploiting visa loopholes

In an alarming trend, organized groups of burglars from South American countries such as Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, and Peru have been increasingly targeting affluent neighbourhoods across the United States, exploiting the US visa system to commit burglaries. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell reports these “crime tourists” have executed over 100 burglaries in Arizona cities like Phoenix and Scottsdale since November alone, making off with millions in untraceable goods.

The perpetrators specifically leverage the US government’s tourist visa program, which allows them to enter the country with minimal scrutiny. Once inside, they engage in nonviolent property crimes, utilizing the high bail thresholds in states like New York to their advantage, often fleeing the country before facing trial.

These so-called “South American Theft Groups” have been linked to a surge in burglaries across at least half of the states in the US, affecting cities and towns of all sizes. The FBI has acknowledged the threat these groups pose, noting their use of tourist visas to facilitate international theft and smuggling of stolen goods. Yet, responses and awareness among law enforcement vary, with some areas like Maricopa County taking stringent measures such as setting high cash bails for suspects.

Recent arrests in Scottsdale and Phoenix, as well as incidents in Los Angeles and Baltimore, highlight the nationwide scope of these burglaries, which target “millionaire neighborhoods” for high-value items like jewelry, designer goods, and cash. Law enforcement agencies have formed task forces to address the uptick in these organized thefts, emphasizing the sophisticated methods these groups use to evade capture and prosecution.

This growing problem has prompted calls for a closer examination of the US visa system and the enforcement of property crime laws to better protect citizens from these international theft rings. As the US grapples with this form of “crime tourism,” communities are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help combat these transnational criminal operations