Chilean Nationals Arrested in Connection with Michigan Burglaries

Three Chilean nationals have been arrested in connection with a series of burglaries of mansions and other high-end homes in suburban Detroit and across Michigan. The charges were announced Monday by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel who said the three are suspected in eight break-ins after they arrived in the Detroit area on a February 1 flight from Los Angeles.

Three Chilean nationals have been apprehended in connection with a series of burglaries targeting mansions and affluent homes in suburban Detroit and across Michigan. The arrests were disclosed on Monday by Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, who revealed that the trio is suspected of involvement in eight break-ins since their arrival in the Detroit area on a flight from Los Angeles in February.

Part of International Crime Ring

Attorney General Nessel described the individuals as part of an international crime ring that specifically targets lavish residences of wealthy Michigan residents. She highlighted their use of technology to circumvent alarm systems and their meticulous precautions to avoid identification on home security systems and leave no forensic evidence at the crime scenes.

Non-Citizen, Temporary Residents

Nessel further stated that several law enforcement agencies believe these crimes are carried out by "non-citizen, temporary residents from countries in South America who travel to the United States and the state of Michigan specifically to conduct these burglaries." She emphasized that there are more individuals involved in this criminal activity.

Charges and Current Status

Each of the three arrested Chilean nationals is facing charges of conducting a criminal enterprise and home invasion. They are currently being held in Indiana for similar burglaries committed in that state.

Rise in Break-Ins in Michigan

In recent years, high-end homes in Southern California, particularly in San Diego County, have experienced a surge in burglaries. Last week, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard announced the establishment of a new task force to address the escalating break-ins in Michigan. This task force comprises officers from over two dozen police departments and will receive assistance from the FBI and other federal agencies.

Modus Operandi

Sheriff Bouchard described the modus operandi of the burglars, stating that they often approach homes in a secluded manner, such as from wooded areas. They specifically seek out jewelry, cash, safes, and even larger safes, which they attempt to forcibly open later. In one rare instance when they entered a house while the occupants were present, they immediately fled upon discovery.

Organized Retail Crime Ring

In a separate case, Attorney General Nessel also announced the arrests of two Detroit men and a Detroit woman in connection with an organized retail crime ring involved in stealing merchandise from Lululemon and Ulta stores across the Detroit area. These individuals are believed to be responsible for at least 30 incidents since December 2022, resulting in losses exceeding USD 200,000.

Nessel described the modus operandi of this organized retail crime ring, explaining that small groups enter a storefront, swiftly grab as much high-value merchandise as they can carry or fit into a shopping basket, and simply walk or run out the front door to a waiting getaway vehicle.