Burglary Ring Busted: 6 Chileans Charged in $1M Jewel Heist

NEWARK, N.J. – In a major blow to organized crime, six Chilean nationals have been charged with conspiring to steal $1 million in jewels, coins, and other valuable items from homes across multiple states, including New Jersey, New York, and Maryland.

Flavio Bladimir Astete Castillo, 35, of Chile; Dareyen Mauricio Cortes-Canete, 28, of Chile; Luis Esteban Castillo Vivar, 32, of Chile; Max Vidal Navarrete, 29, of Chile; Jordán Estefano Contreras Vilches, 25, of Chile; and Juan Jose Ramirez Nilo, 41, of Chile, are each charged by complaint with one count of conspiracy to sell and receive stolen property that had crossed state lines and one count of receiving stolen property that had crossed state lines.

The charges allege that the defendants conspired to target homeowners in residential burglaries, stealing valuable items such as pearl, gold, and diamond jewelry, rare coins, and other property. The burglaries affected people in a very serious and personal way, and the U.S. Attorney’s office will continue to pursue criminals who violate the sanctity of our homes.

“Thieves are victimizing more and more homeowners in New Jersey and beyond, traveling up from South American nations,” said FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy. “They hit multiple victims in one community, quickly move on to the next and then flee back to their native country. This isn’t your traditional crime spree; it is an actual industry of organized criminals who invade and shatter people’s private sanctuaries and steal valuable possessions.”

Law enforcement officers searched a vehicle the defendants were using to transport the stolen goods and recovered multiple pieces of jewelry, collectible coins and cufflinks, and other valuable items, alongside tools commonly used to burglarize residences, such as gloves, balaclavas, and window punches. The defendants are part of a burglary ring that committed multiple residential burglaries in March and April 2024 in multiple states.

Five of the defendants appeared today before U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte in Newark federal court and were detained. Ramirez Nilo had his initial appearance on May 22, 2024, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephanie Christensen in Los Angeles federal court and was detained. The charge of conspiracy to sell or receive stolen property carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison; and the charge of receipt of stolen property carries a maximum potential penalty of 10 years in prison.