By love-89.com In an investigation that has captured national attention, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has dismantled a significant ATM theft ring operating from California to Seattle, allegedly stealing millions of dollars while eluding law enforcement for months. This group has reportedly targeted various locations on the West Coast, cracking bank ATMs and cash rooms to steal large sums of cash.
According to a report from the San Jose Mercury News, federal prosecutors in California have charged a 10-member theft crew with conspiring to steal millions from dozens of banks and ATMs. The indictment reveals that the group consists largely of Chilean nationals, some of whom used multiple aliases and fake IDs. They allegedly rented Airbnb properties near their targets and utilized discreet car rental services to facilitate their crimes.
While the exact amount stolen by the group in 2024 remains unclear, the indictment cites numerous thefts and attempted thefts totaling $2,581,954, including several incidents where robbers made off with $250,000 in a single heist.
In almost every robbery, the thieves employed a similar modus operandi. They would surveil locations, rent Airbnb accommodations and vehicles, then execute their heist plans. Their tactics often included spraying over security cameras and using power tools to breach ATM machines. The indictment states that the thieves often disguised themselves, pretending to be construction workers and carrying cell phone jammers, toolboxes, large hammers, and crowbars.
In certain instances, they even had to break through walls to gain access to bank cash rooms. For example, on September 18 of last year, the crew broke into the Diamond in the Ruff Pet Spa in Mendocino, creating a large hole through the wall to reach the adjacent Wells Fargo ATM room, resulting in losses of $247,000 for the bank.
Despite their efforts to conceal their crimes, the group left behind digital traces in every incident. The FBI made a significant breakthrough by identifying a suspicious vehicle tracked to a rental service in West Hollywood.
According to reports, the Chevrolet Suburban was rented by an individual using the Instagram account @xtrackz, who informed authorities that he had rented the vehicle to a person named “Gordito,” claiming he needed it for a vacation. The indictment alleges that he unknowingly rented the vehicle to a thief.
“Gordito” turned out to be Alex Moyano-Morales, a man who authorities say possessed fake identification and multiple aliases while claiming to be both Colombian and American. He is identified as the ringleader of the theft operation.
After verifying Moyano-Morales’s identity, investigators began tracking his cellphone location data from previous months, confirming that his accomplices had rented Airbnb properties near several robbery sites. Besides Moyano-Morales, prosecutors have also charged several other defendants.
Law enforcement indicates that each defendant played various roles in the robberies. Some focused on renting Airbnb and vehicles, while others scouted targets or carried out the crimes. Locations included multiple sites in Central California, and according to the indictment, they may also be connected to a series of similar thefts under investigation in Los Angeles and San Diego. Earlier this month, authorities revealed that the theft ring had relocated to Oregon, where they allegedly committed at least two more similar crimes.
Court records indicate that the members of the theft ring could face up to 20 years in prison and fines of $250,000.