LAPD Cargo Theft Unit Arrests Two Suspects and Recover Over $3,900,000 in Stolen Property NR25080dc

Los Angeles: During the past week, detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division – Cargo Theft Unit (CTU), in collaboration with members of the Los Angeles Port Police, Union Pacific Police Department, and Los Angeles World Airport Police, arrested two prominent members of the South American Theft Group (SATG) involved in the theft, movement, and sale of stolen cargo in the Los Angeles area.

Detectives arrested 41-year-old Oscar David Borrero-Manchola and 25-year-old Yonaiker Rafael Martinez-Ramos after an extensive investigation that included multiple follow-ups and various search warrants at storage unit facilities in the San Fernando Valley. CTU detectives recovered over $1,200,000 in stolen tequila, speakers, coffee, clothing, shoes, body wash, and pet food. Additionally, CTU detectives recovered a stolen shipment of bitcoin mining computers, valued at $2,700,000, from LAX airport as the shipment was about to be loaded onto a plane headed to Hong Kong.

The suspects were subsequently booked at the LAPD’s Van Nuys Jail. Borrero-Manchola was arrested for 496(A) PC – Receiving Stolen Property, assigned Booking Number 6998856, and was cited and released. Martinez-Ramos was arrested on a no bail warrant, assigned Booking Number 70000652.

This case highlights the ongoing collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies to combat cargo theft and protect the integrity of commercial transport operations. The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests may follow.

Recovered Property

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Commercial Crimes Division at (213) 486-5920 between 6:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Lastly, tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.