A Canyon Country man has pleaded guilty to participating in a widespread “crime tourism” theft ring responsible for millions of dollars in losses across the United States.
Juan Carlos Thola Duran, 59, admitted Monday to leading a scheme that enabled an organized theft crew traveling from South America to help commit burglaries, retail theft and fraud in Southern California and several states, according to federal prosecutors. It is estimated that the operation resulted in losses of at least $23.9 million.
At the center of the operation was a Van Nuys-based car rental business, Diver Power Rentals, which authorities say was used to supply vehicles to employees committing thefts as well as help conceal their identities. Participants were allegedly required to provide false identification to make the rental appear legitimate.
According to prosecutors, once crew members received the stolen credit or debit cards, they were directed to “immediately go to stores such as Target, Best Buy and The Home Depot” to spend as much as possible before the cards were frozen or revoked.
The stolen merchandise, including electronics, gift cards and designer purses, were reshipped and resold through associates.
This is where Thola-Duran entered the picture as “the fence”, purchasing stolen goods at a fraction of their value and reselling them for a profit.
In addition to the theft scheme, authorities say the group fraudulently obtained approximately $275,000 in COVID-19 relief funds and used the ill-gotten gains to acquire assets such as real estate, vehicles and other luxury items.
Investigators also found that Thola-Duran structured cash withdrawals to avoid federal reporting requirements, repeatedly withdrawing amounts of less than $10,000.
Prosecutors charged Thola-Duran with conspiring to commit wire fraud, receiving and transporting stolen property interstate, money laundering and structuring transactions to avoid federal financial reporting requirements. He faces a maximum sentence of 55 years in federal prison, with sentencing scheduled for November.
His co-defendant and former partner, Ana Maria Arriagada, previously pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing, while two other defendants are scheduled to go to trial later this year.
