4 Colombian nationals arrested in South American burglary ring probe

Four Colombian nationals have been arrested in connection with a suspected South American residential burglary crew that used WiFi jamming devices and camouflaged surveillance cameras to target homes across Southern California, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department announced Sunday.

The case underscores the growing threat posed by organized South American theft crews that have targeted affluent residential neighborhoods throughout greater Los Angeles and surrounding communities — including those near Orange County.

The four suspects — Jesus Velez-Hernandez, 35; Sergio Paez-Cuervo, 38; Javier Pulido-Ramirez, 41; and Akksel Cadena-Diaz, 29 — are all Colombian citizens, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

Authorities said the crew deployed camouflaged surveillance cameras and electronic WiFi jamming devices to conduct pre-burglary reconnaissance and disable residential security systems at targeted homes.

The investigation began after a residential burglary was reported last month in San Antonio Heights, an unincorporated community in San Bernardino County, the sheriff's department said.

Search warrants served in Los Angeles County yielded stolen property, burglary tools, electronic jamming devices and surveillance equipment "believed to be connected to additional residential burglaries throughout Southern California," the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said.

Three of the four suspects are in Ventura County custody. The fourth is being held at the West Valley Detention Center without bail, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

The investigation is ongoing. Authorities have not disclosed the total number of burglaries attributed to the crew or the estimated value of property stolen.