A sophisticated crew went from West Hollywood to Seattle, stealing millions and eluding police. Then the FBI closed in.

[Zorro]

For months, a group of alleged thieves traveled around California and beyond, cracking safes, pocketing cash, and always appearing to stay one step ahead of local authorities.

But now, according to the FBI, the jig is up.

Federal prosecutors in California’s Eastern District have charged 10 people with conspiring to steal millions of dollars from dozens of banks and ATMs. The criminal complaint says that the crew comprised mostly Chilean nationals, several with multiple alias and fake IDs, who rented Airbnbs near their intended targets and employed a secret stolen car rental service for vehicles used in heists.

The exact amount the group was able to allegedly steal throughout 2024 is unknown. The criminal complaint lists dozens of thefts or attempts where a total of $2,581,954 was taken, including several where the robbers got away with a quarter-million dollars in a single haul.

https://www.mercurynews.com/2024/10/25/a-sophisticated-heist-crew-traveled-from-west-hollywood-to-seattle-stealing-millions-and-eluding-police-then-the-fbi-closed-in/

Glad these assholes have been apprehended, but this is just fodder for Trump and the Republicans.

[kimbutgar]

1. A Wells Fargo I came by the other day looked like it was looted like that and I doubt they'll keep it there anymore.