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“South American Theft Groups (SATG) is an international criminal network that has been operating in Quebec in recent years, targeting wealthy families. With members hailing from Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Venezuela, these criminals have been able to enter Canada using Mexican passports and fake identities.
The daughter of one of Quebec’s wealthiest individuals disclosed that these criminals attempted to break into one of her homes. Luckily, the police were tracking them and caught them in the act. She considers herself fortunate, as many of her acquaintances have fallen victim to similar thefts, losing valuable possessions such as clothing, jewelry, and handbags.
The SATG, closely monitored by the FBI and various law enforcement organizations worldwide, has become a significant threat to public safety and security in Canada, according to a report by the Canada Border Services Agency. These criminals began to operate more actively in Canada, especially in western Montreal, after the visa requirement for Mexican nationals was lifted at the end of 2016, enabling them to enter the country with fraudulent documents.
According to law enforcement sources, many of these individuals have criminal records in the United States and should be inadmissible to Canada. However, they exploit the ease of obtaining Mexican passports to enter the country and commit crimes. This pattern has prompted concerns about the extensive damage these individuals cause to the community and the financial cost to Canada.
The criminals involved in this network have developed sophisticated methods for entering the country and committing organized theft, targeting high-value items such as jewelry, cash, and luxury handbags. With well-planned strategies and counter-surveillance techniques, they have successfully executed a large number of thefts without resorting to physical violence.
Despite several arrests and expulsions, these criminals continue to elude Canadian customs controls by assuming multiple fake identities and obtaining false Mexican passports. Even during the pandemic when borders were closed, there was a noticeable decrease in the network’s criminal activities, affirming their dependency on fraudulent entry methods.
The Canada Border Services Agency acknowledged the presence of these organized criminal groups in Canada and emphasized the importance of disrupting their operations. While the agency maintains confidence in their defense mechanisms, law enforcement officers consistently encounter the difficulty in detecting these well-crafted fake passports.
Although the agency avoids detailed discussion about ongoing investigations, experts have confirmed the existence of these organized criminal groups on Canadian soil. The alarming reality is that these criminals operate with relative ease, exploiting various systemic vulnerabilities.
The challenges posed by these international criminal networks call for a comprehensive approach to bolstering border security and law enforcement efforts, both in Canada and abroad. Only through a concerted effort to disrupt the operations of these crime groups can we protect the safety and well-being of Canadian communities.”
In conclusion, the operation of the South American Theft Groups brings to light the sophisticated nature of international criminal networks and the challenges they pose to border security. The need for stronger preventive measures and strategic enforcement actions is evident in combating this complex threat. Collaborative efforts between Canada and its international counterparts are crucial to effectively tackling the presence of these criminal organizations, thereby safeguarding the security and stability of Canadian communities.”
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