Authorities in Arizona have made significant progress in combating transnational criminal activity following the arrest of seven individuals affiliated with the South American Theft Group (SATG). These arrests came after a coordinated effort between Scottsdale Police and law enforcement agencies in California. The operation was initiated when Burbank Police in California alerted Scottsdale authorities to a suspected SATG group originating from Colombia, who had previously targeted residences in California, Oregon, and Washington.
The arrests occurred on May 23, when two burglaries took place in Phoenix’s Tempe and Mesa areas. The suspects were apprehended the following day at a short-term rental property, where they had been staying. Police sources indicated that the group had been under surveillance since May 20, as Arizona detectives tracked their movements to the suspected burglary sites. The stolen items, including a French Bulldog, were recovered and will be returned to their rightful owners.
According to police statements, the suspects were identified as Nicolas Rojas Leon, 23; Joan Sebastian Orozco-Vargas, 26; Andres David Sanchez-Novoa, 38; Natalia Isabella Ortiz-Daza, 26; Martha Juliana Echiverri-Guzman, 28; Lady Johanna Gueito, 32; and Angie Paola Herandez-Manrique, 25. Each individual was ordered held in Maricopa County Jail pending