Two prominent members of a South American theft crew were taken into and nearly $4 million worth of stolen cargo, including tequila and bitcoin mining computers, were recovered, law enforcement officials announced.
It’s unclear exactly when Oscar David Borrero-Manchola, 41, and Yonaiker Rafael Martinez-Ramos, 25, were taken into custody, but in a Los Angeles Police Department news release, officials said the arrests came after “extensive investigation” into the two prominent members of the organized theft crew.
During the investigation, detectives served search warrants at various storage unit facilities in the San Fernando Valley.
Investigators recovered more than $1.2 million worth of stolen tequila, speakers, shoes, coffee, clothing, body wash and pet food.
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Some $3.9 million worth of stolen cargo recovered in L.A. from two prominent members of South American theft crew. (LAPD) -
Some $3.9 million worth of stolen cargo recovered in L.A. from two prominent members of South American theft crew. (LAPD) -
Some $3.9 million worth of stolen cargo recovered in L.A. from two prominent members of South American theft crew. (LAPD) -
Some $3.9 million worth of stolen cargo recovered in L.A. from two prominent members of South American theft crew. (LAPD) -
Some $3.9 million worth of stolen cargo recovered in L.A. from two prominent members of South American theft crew. (LAPD)
Another $2.7 million in bitcoin mining computers, stolen from LAX as the shipment was about to be loaded onto a plane bound for Hong Kong, were also discovered.
Martinez-Ramos was arrested on a no-bail warrant and remains in custody. Borrero-Manchola was cited for receiving stolen property and later released, police said.
LAPD’s Commercial Crimes Division, Cargo Theft Unit, ran the operation with support from L.A. Port Police, Union Pacific Police Department and the L.A. World Airport Police.
“This case highlights the ongoing collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies to combat cargo theft and protect the integrity of commercial transport operations,” the release noted. “The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests may follow.”
Anyone with information about the investigation is asked to contact LAPD’s Commercial Crimes Division at 213-486-5920. Those wishing to remain anonymous call the L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers Hotline at 800-222-8477 or leave tips online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
