6 people arrested in criminal tourism raid; group operated Southern California-based car rental business that targeted thieves, authorities say

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — Six people have been arrested and charged in connection with the investigation into a suspected international burglary gang that targeted businesses and homes in Southern California and elsewhere, authorities said Wednesday.

The individuals are accused of several federal criminal counts, including wire fraud, money laundering and conspiracy. The indictment also alleges that a Santa Clarita Valley man helped the “South American Crime Tourism Group” commit burglaries, thefts and other crimes.

At a morning press conference at the Federal Building in Westwood, authorities said they had executed 11 search warrants – most of them in the San Fernando Valley, but also further north in Santa Barbara, Santa Clarita and Palmdale. 25 vehicles, several properties and some horses were seized.

“This is not a local problem. The crimes affect not just one city, one county, one region, one state, but the entire country,” said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada. “But the effects of crime tourism are particularly felt here in Southern California.”

The indictment alleges that the group operated a car rental business in Los Angeles that catered to crime tourists and sent them to commit the crimes. They are accused of offering luxury cars to blend in with the neighborhoods they burglarized.

DEVELOPMENT: More details will be added to this report as they become available.