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Feds: Crime tourism group based in LA car rental facility stole millions in heists and home thefts

Seven individuals were recently arrested in California for their involvement in operating a crime tourism ring that provided vehicles for thieves to use while conducting illegal activities across the United States. The Department of Justice released a statement detailing the arrests, which included Juan Carlos Thola-Duran, 57, and his girlfriend, Ana Maria Arriagada, 41, who ran Driver Power Rentals (DPR) in the Van Nuys neighborhood of Los Angeles. The business allegedly supplied vehicles to criminals, many of whom hailed from South America and other regions, to facilitate their criminal endeavors.

The seven individuals are facing a slew of federal charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and structuring transactions to evade financial reporting requirements. According to an indictment obtained by Fox News Digital, Thola-Duran reportedly instructed his associates to engage in various thefts, such as shoplifting from stores, burglarizing homes and businesses, and stealing credit and debit cards from victims between January 2018 and July 2024.

Thola-Duran and Arriagada are accused of directing their co-conspirators to use the stolen cards to make purchases at popular retailers like Target, Best Buy, and The Home Depot before the cards could be canceled. The stolen goods were then allegedly sent back to DPR or other accomplices. Thola-Duran acted as a middleman, buying the stolen items at a fraction of their value and paying the thieves a percentage of the retail price. The indictment claims that Thola-Duran amassed a staggering $5.5 million during the conspiracy, with $5.1 million being deposited into various bank accounts.

In addition to purchasing real estate and horses with the illicit funds, Thola-Duran and Arriagada are also accused of fraudulently obtaining nearly $275,000 in COVID-19 relief loans between May 2020 and June 2021. The investigation, which involved multiple agencies such as the LAPD, the US Attorney’s Office, and the FBI, spanned several years and resulted in the arrest of over 130 suspects linked to the crime ring.

Ventura County Sheriff James Fryhoff emphasized the impact of Driver Power Rentals on crime in the area, stating that the majority of suspects arrested for these crimes had used vehicles supplied by the rental company. Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of dismantling networks like DPR to ensure neighborhood safety.

If convicted, the defendants could face up to 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud and money laundering charge, up to 10 years for each structuring count, and up to five years for conspiracy to transport stolen property interstate. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, Central District of California, has been contacted for further comment on the case.

In conclusion, the arrests of these individuals shed light on the insidious nature of crime tourism and the significant impact it can have on communities. By targeting key operators like Thola-Duran and Arriagada, law enforcement agencies are taking crucial steps to combat organized crime and protect the public from criminal activities.

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