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Latin American jewel thieves active in US

By Khalid Hasan

Organised jewel thieves from South American countries like Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru are active in America, according to the FBI.

FBI said these criminals strike swiftly. They’re usually armed and not afraid to shoot. Their favourite targets are jewellry stores and their couriers. They have been operating in the US for more than 30 years. Most of the members are in the country illegally. Groups are often made of immigrants from the same hometown. They are tight-knit, difficult to infiltrate and their

crews are extremely mobile, moving from city to city and even country to country in search of new victims. They are highly skilled, with numerous methods for stealing high-end jewellry.

In a cut and run operation, crews cut apart display cases and stole the contents in broad daylight. They initiate members by testing their skills in low-risk and non-violent crimes, such as picking pockets and other petty theft, according to Special Agent Daniel X. McCaffrey, who works on jewellry theft cases in the FBI’s New York division. Once proven, novices can move up to become the get-away driver or lookout for bigger hauls and to the most sought-after position as jewellry courier robber.

South American groups often target travelling gem and jewelry shows, like those held three times a year in Miami Beach, Florida, with about $3 billion worth of jewellry, gems, precious metals and cash are on hand at each show. At a trade show, crews have someone inside who watches the sales people and couriers to find the best target. They relay details back to a crew waiting outside. They are patient and meticulous.

Crews often target people carrying a lot of smaller loose diamonds and gold, because they are easier to fence. Big pieces of jewellry are easier to trace, and most bigger diamonds are laser inscribed. On average, a crew can sell stolen goods to their fences for between 20 percent and 30 percent of the retail value. To stop these groups, the FBI task forces use proactive measures, such as relying on informants and arresting crew members on any viable charge, including fake ID and immigration violations.

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