Chilean Burglary Crew Busted in Multiple State Heist

Six Chilean Nationals Charged in Connection with Residential Burglaries in Multiple States

NEWARK, N.J. – In a major blow to organized crime, six Chilean nationals have been charged for conspiring to target homeowners across multiple states in residential burglaries, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced.

Flavio Bladimir Astete Castillo, 32, Dareyen Mauricio Cortes-Canete, 28, Luis Esteban Castillo Vivar, 25, Max Vidal Navarrete, 29, Jordán Estefano Contreras Vilches, 31, and Juan Jose Ramirez Nilo, 35, all 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.

“Six Chilean nationals have been charged with conspiring to target homeowners in residential burglaries across multiple states from New York to Maryland. The Complaint alleges that they conspired to receive and sell stolen pearl, gold and diamond jewelry, rare coins and other property that was stolen in those burglaries. Residential burglaries affect people in a very serious and personal way, and our office will continue to pursue criminals who are alleged to have violated the sanctity of our homes.”

U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger

Law enforcement officials say the defendants are part of a sophisticated burglary ring that targeted homes in multiple states, including Maryland and New York, in March and April 2024. The ring allegedly conspired to possess large amounts of jewelry, collectibles, and other valuable goods, among other items.

On April 19, 2024, the defendants moved a heavy security safe stolen from a residence, while attempting to conceal the stolen item from detection by covering security cameras. 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 charge of conspiracy to sell or receive stolen property carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison, while the charge of receipt of stolen property that had crossed state lines carries a maximum potential penalty of ten years in prison. The defendants are scheduled to appear in federal court for a detention hearing on [date].

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Clinton Township Police Department, with assistance from other law enforcement agencies. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

“Thieves are victimizing more and more homeowners in New Jersey and beyond, traveling up from South American nations,” FBI – Newark Special Agent in Charge James E. Dennehy said. “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.”

“These arrests of a group of foreign-born individuals that engaged in interstate crime demonstrates how critical the cooperation between various law enforcement agencies continues to be,” Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations, Newark Field Office Director John Tsoukaris said. “ERO will continue to leverage our unique authorities in support of community safety.”

“The collaboration among law enforcement agencies was essential in apprehending these individuals who targeted homes across multiple states,” Clinton Township Police Department Chief Thomas A. DeRosa said. “This case exemplifies our commitment to working together and utilizing advanced technology, as well as investing in new technologies, to combat interstate crime and protect our communities.”

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.

According to documents filed in this case and statements made in court, the defendants are part of a sophisticated burglary ring that committed multiple residential burglaries in March and April 2024 in multiple states, including Maryland and New York. The defendants conspired to possess large amounts of jewelry, collectibles, and other valuable goods, among other items.

On April 19, 2024, they moved a heavy security safe stolen from a residence, while attempting to conceal the stolen item from detection by covering security cameras. 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 charge of conspiracy to sell or receive stolen property carries a maximum potential penalty of five years in prison, while the charge of receipt of stolen property that had crossed state lines carries a maximum potential penalty of ten years in prison.

U.S. Magistrate Judge José R. Almonte ordered the defendants to be detained pending trial. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Jersey.

The investigation is ongoing, and officials say more arrests are possible. The case serves as a reminder that law enforcement agencies will continue to work together to combat organized crime and protect communities across the country.