In the midst of a series of security incidents in La Plata, the police managed to dismantle a gang in the most unusual way: through the purchase of a high-end cell phone, a pair of top-brand sneakers, and a trendy sports outfit corresponding to the three stripes. This was a „beginner’s mistake“ made by three individuals in La Plata who used a stolen credit card.
The individuals involved were reportedly linked to a car theft, from which they obtained documents and credit cards. Authorities are also investigating whether they were involved in at least two other vehicle-related incidents.
The trigger for their downfall was when an employee at a cell phone store noticed, after examining the details of a payment for a smartphone, that the buyer was not the cardholder. This raised suspicions, prompting the employee to alert the police. The incident took place at a store located on 137th Street between 63rd and 64th Streets, right in the heart of the commercial center of Los Hornos.
Upon arriving at the scene, law enforcement officers located the suspects and discovered that they had recently purchased expensive sneakers and an Adidas sports outfit. Further investigation revealed that the credit card used in the fraudulent transactions belonged to the owner of a Fiat Siena that had been stolen earlier in Los Hornos. It was also mentioned that the three individuals were involved in car theft.
The suspects, aged between 26 and 40, with one being of Uruguayan nationality, were charged with „fraud,“ „resisting authority,“ and „car theft.“
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and quick thinking in identifying and apprehending criminals. It also highlights the role that ordinary citizens and store employees can play in assisting law enforcement in combating crime. The swift actions of the store employee in recognizing the suspicious transaction and alerting the authorities ultimately led to the apprehension of the individuals involved in the criminal activities.