Based on Katy police, 4 males have been caught late final month stealing hundreds of {dollars} value of brand-name clothes whereas speaking via earpieces.
KATY, Texas — What started as a routine investigation into retail theft at Katy Mills Mall has uncovered what police imagine to be a world, cartel-linked crime ring answerable for greater than $100 million in stolen merchandise throughout the nation.
Based on Katy police, 4 males have been caught late final month stealing hundreds of {dollars} value of brand-name clothes, together with Tommy Hilfiger and Guess objects, from the mall whereas speaking via earpieces.
Surveillance footage confirmed the suspects stuffing merchandise into suitcases earlier than leaving the premises.
Authorities tracked the suspects’ car to a short-term rental in south Houston, practically 40 miles from the mall.
After acquiring a search warrant, investigators stated they found a number of baggage of stolen clothes, Mexican identification playing cards, aircraft tickets and extra.
Court docket paperwork reveal that the theft in Katy is just one small a part of a a lot bigger operation. Investigators imagine the suspects journey to main U.S. cities, staying in short-term leases like Airbnb for a couple of week at a time.
Throughout these stays, they allegedly steal a whole bunch of hundreds of {dollars} in retail merchandise earlier than transferring on to the following metropolis. The stolen items are then reportedly shipped to Laredo.
Police suspect the thefts are tied to a complicated Mexican cartel operation. In whole, regulation enforcement has recognized 98 suspects believed to be concerned within the multi-million greenback cash laundering scheme.
Police haven’t given any specifics on any arrests or costs which have been filed.
