WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, the FBI announced a coordinated operation spanning multiple jurisdictions to investigate burglaries targeting the homes of several professional athletes.
The burglaries are believed to have been orchestrated by members of South American Theft Groups (SATGs), a sophisticated network of criminals operating internationally. These arrests and searches are part of the FBI’s ongoing efforts to combat organized crime and ensure public safety.
Investigations Into Targeted Burglaries
Authorities believe SATG suspects carefully monitored the travel schedules of professional athletes, identifying when their properties would be unoccupied. The FBI confirmed that these criminals exploited publicly available schedules to target high-value homes.
“The FBI has spearheaded an initiative targeting South American Theft Groups by combining our nationwide resources and collaborating with our valued law enforcement partners to link commonalities and suspects of cases across the country,” said Acting FBI Director Brian J. Driscoll, Jr.
Through the coordinated efforts of the FBI Cincinnati, Newark, and New York field offices, federal authorities arrested Dimitriy “Russo” Nezhinskiy, the owner of Big Apple General Buyers, and Juan Villar, an employee, in Manhattan’s Diamond District. These individuals are accused of operating the largest “fence” (a hub for reselling stolen goods) on the East Coast.
Additionally, a federal grand jury in Cincinnati indicted three defendants, allegedly involved in a burglary at the home of an NFL player, for transporting stolen goods across state lines and falsifying federal investigation records.
South American Theft Groups and Their Operations
SATGs are also known to target traveling jewelry salesmen, tracking their movements to steal valuable merchandise. The groups use “fences”—individuals or businesses that knowingly purchase and resell stolen property—to liquidate the goods. Some stolen items are transported to Chile and Colombia for resale.
This week, a Chilean national, believed to be part of an SATG operation, was charged with conspiracy in connection with a New Jersey jewelry store burglary. Prosecutors allege he assisted in the theft and transportation of stolen property across state lines.
FBI’s Commitment to Dismantling SATGs
Crimes committed by South American Theft Groups can victimize anyone, not just professional athletes. The FBI’s initiative to combat SATGs involves individuals from Chile and other South American countries who exploit tourist visas or illegal entry to commit theft and transport stolen goods internationally.
The initiative includes dedicated resources, major theft task forces, and intelligence-sharing with global law enforcement partners. The FBI encourages the public to report any suspicious activity related to organized theft operations.
For more updates on this case, follow the latest developments from federal law enforcement.