South American gangs exploiting tourist visa program to burglarize wealthy San Diego neighborhoods
04/24/2024 // Laura Harris // 370 Views
Organized crime groups from South America have been exploiting the Visa Waiver Program to burglarize San Diego's wealthiest neighborhoods.
According to several reports, members of these gangs have been conducting "burglary tourism," a tactic that exploits the "weak vetting system" of the Visa Waiver Program, which allows residents of certain countries to enter the U.S. after completing an online form called the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
However, instead of engaging in legitimate tourism, these individuals exploit the program for criminal activities, earning the program the moniker of "burglary tourist visa." (Related: Latin American gangs use security jammers to break into U.S. homes.)
In San Diego, authorities have arrested eight suspects, all Chilean nationals, believed to be part of a burglary tourist gang responsible for multiple crimes, including a recent burglary on March 29.
"The home is carefully selected. They’ve been watching from rented cars that blend into wealthy neighborhoods. They are masked, gloved and care little about cameras. They are in and out of your home in just minutes," said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. "When a burglary happens it’s your home, you never feel the same. This is organized. This is not some kid."
These burglaries carefully choose their targets, focusing on high-value items that can be quickly liquidated, such as jewelry, coin collections, cash and high-end purses.
Copycat burglar crews popping up in San Diego County
https://www.naturalnews.com/2024-04-24-south-american-gangs-exploiting-tourist-visa-program.html