Pennsylvania police bust South American theft group targeting Asian business owners

Authorities in Pennsylvania have dismantled a sophisticated burglary ring of at least 12 Colombian nationals from Queens, New York, who systematically targeted Asian business owners across the state, as well as Ohio and New York.

How they did it: Starting operations last year, the criminal network allegedly used GPS tracking devices, signal jammers and surveillance cameras to monitor victims for extended periods before striking. The suspects, mostly undocumented Colombian nationals, reportedly worked in coordinated teams. Abington Police Chief Patrick Molloy told WPVI, “They would go and use records of real estate and tax to identify Asian names and Asian business owners who traditionally have cash businesses, a lot of jewelry in the home, Louis Vuitton bags.”

Once targets were identified, the criminals allegedly disguised themselves as Amazon workers while conducting surveillance, placing trail cameras or concealing cell phones near target properties. In one troubling incident, thieves entered while children remained in the house. Over four months, 10 incidents occurred across Montgomery, Chester and Bucks counties, including a Carol Road residence hit twice.

The big picture: The Pennsylvania arrests mark another recent takedown of South American Theft Groups (SATGs), criminal networks that typically target Asian American households by exploiting cultural tendencies to store cash and valuables at home — especially among older immigrants who distrust banks.

In March 2024, Maryland authorities arrested five Chilean nationals attempting a break-in in Reisterstown, connected to burglaries causing $820,000 in losses. Delaware has also seen repeat targeting, with one restaurant owner’s family home burglarized twice. Meanwhile, Colorado documented nearly $1 million in theft losses in 2024 from similar operations using tire slashing and Wi-Fi signal disruption. The pattern extends nationwide, with arrests dating to 2022 revealing suspects carrying fraudulent documents from various South American countries.

Police advise residents to increase home security measures while they continue searching for additional suspects.