Scottsdale Police Arrest Seven Alleged Members of 'South American Theft Group' in Coordinated Burglary Crackdown

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — The Scottsdale Police Department announced the arrest of seven individuals suspected of being part of a transnational criminal organization known as the "South American Theft Group" (SATG) on May 23, 2025. The arrests mark a significant breakthrough in addressing a series of high-profile burglaries targeting affluent neighborhoods across Arizona and beyond.

According to authorities, the suspects were apprehended following a multi-agency operation prompted by intelligence from other law enforcement agencies indicating that the group was planning to operate in Arizona. The group is accused of committing two burglaries on the same day in the Phoenix metropolitan area—one in Tempe near Southern Avenue and Loop 101, and another in Mesa near Brown Road and Val Vista Drive. Scottsdale Police reported that the suspects had booked a short-term rental near Camelback and Miller roads as a base for their operations.

The "South American Theft Group" is a term used by law enforcement to describe organized crime networks, often involving foreign nationals from countries such as Colombia and Chile, who enter the United States to conduct sophisticated residential burglaries. These groups are known for targeting high-value homes, stealing cash, jewelry, and luxury goods, and quickly moving across state lines to evade capture. The Scottsdale arrests are part of a broader national effort to combat this growing trend, with the FBI leading task forces through its Major Theft Program to address such transnational crime.

Police sources indicate that the seven suspects are also linked to burglaries in California, Oregon, and Washington, suggesting a coordinated criminal enterprise spanning multiple states. While specific details about the suspects’ identities and nationalities were not disclosed in the initial announcement, reports suggest they may be foreign nationals, possibly from Colombia or Chile, some of whom could be in the U.S. on temporary visas.

“This operation demonstrates the power of collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement,” said a Scottsdale Police spokesperson. “We are committed to protecting our community and holding those who exploit it accountable.”

The arrests follow a pattern of increased law enforcement activity targeting SATGs across the United States. Earlier this year, Scottsdale Police arrested three other suspects linked to the same group in March 2024, highlighting the persistent challenge posed by these organized theft rings. Residents in Scottsdale and surrounding areas have been urged to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and utilize neighborhood watch programs to deter future incidents.

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