International Theft Ring Arrested in Arizona After Multi-State Crime Spree, Including Stolen French Bulldog
A coordinated law enforcement operation led to the arrest of an international burglary crew in Scottsdale, Arizona, after the group allegedly carried out a string of break-ins across multiple states along the West Coast. Among the stolen items recovered was a French Bulldog that had been reported missing during one of the home invasions.
According to a statement released by the Scottsdale Police Department, the suspects are believed to be affiliated with a South American Theft Group (SATG), a type of organized criminal network known to operate across international borders and specialize in residential burglaries. These groups often enter the United States on tourist visas and move quickly between states, targeting upscale neighborhoods while staying under the radar using short-term rental properties.
Suspects Tracked Over Several Days
The investigation began earlier in the week after authorities in Scottsdale received intelligence from law enforcement partners in California regarding suspicious activity tied to a known SATG crew. Between May 20 and May 22, the suspects were under active surveillance by local and regional authorities. The group was observed checking in and out of short-term rental homes and driving between locations in the East Valley region of Arizona.
On May 23, the suspects were caught in the act during burglaries in the nearby cities of Tempe and Mesa. Detectives moved quickly to apprehend the individuals, coordinating efforts with local patrol officers to make the arrests without incident. The number of suspects taken into custody has not been publicly disclosed, but police confirmed that several members of the group are now in custody and facing a range of felony charges, including residential burglary, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy to commit theft.
Pattern Matches West Coast Burglaries
Authorities believe the same group is responsible for a series of high-profile residential burglaries stretching from Southern California to the Pacific Northwest, with confirmed incidents in California, Oregon, and Washington. Victims in these states reported eerily similar crimes: forced entry during daytime hours, selective targeting of high-value items such as luxury handbags, electronics, jewelry—and in one case, a beloved pet.
The French Bulldog, a breed frequently targeted by thieves due to its popularity and resale value, was recovered during a search of one of the short-term rentals used by the suspects. Police say the dog appeared to be in good health and is in the process of being reunited with its rightful owner.
“We are grateful to have recovered the dog and other stolen property,” said Scottsdale Police spokesperson Sgt. Aaron Bolin. “These groups operate with speed and precision, but thanks to strong collaboration across state lines, we were able to intervene before they could disappear again.”
Use of Short-Term Rentals as Cover
A tactic increasingly common among SATGs and other transient crime groups is the use of short-term rental properties—booked under false names or through third parties—as temporary bases of operation. These locations provide anonymity, limited oversight, and quick access to target-rich environments.
Investigators say the group moved strategically across cities, striking in neighborhoods with limited surveillance infrastructure and exploiting gaps in local communication between jurisdictions.
“This is part of a much larger trend we’re seeing nationwide,” said a detective close to the investigation. “Criminal networks from outside the U.S. are exploiting our visa system and using digital tools like Airbnb and Google Maps to plan and execute their crimes. They don’t stay in one place long enough to raise suspicion, which makes interagency cooperation absolutely essential.”
Returning Property and Seeking Additional Victims
Police are currently cataloging the recovered property in hopes of identifying additional victims. Items include watches, high-end purses, electronics, and documents tied to addresses in multiple states.
Authorities are urging residents who have been victims of recent residential burglaries—particularly in Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington—to contact their local police departments or the Scottsdale Police Department with any potentially connected information. Efforts are ongoing to track the suspects’ travel history, financial records, and possible connections to other SATG cells operating in the U.S.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation remains active, and additional arrests could be forthcoming as detectives sort through evidence and work with federal immigration and customs authorities to verify the identities and backgrounds of the suspects. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have both been contacted to determine whether the suspects violated terms of their visas or are tied to larger international criminal syndicates.
“This was a textbook example of organized transnational crime being stopped through communication and rapid response,” said Sgt. Bolin. “We want to send a clear message that these types of operations will not be tolerated in our communities.”
Community Response
News of the arrests has sparked mixed emotions in the Scottsdale and East Valley communities. While residents expressed relief that the suspects were apprehended, concerns remain about how widespread these burglary rings may be and the challenges police face in stopping them.
“I’m just glad they got the dog back,” said one local resident whose neighbor’s home was recently burglarized. “It’s scary knowing people like that are coming from out of the country just to rob people here.”
