Authorities in Katy have uncovered a vast criminal operation they believe is tied to a South American cartel, following a string of high-value retail thefts across the country.
According to a report from ABC 13, law enforcement made the discovery during an investigation into a theft at Katy Mills Mall. On March 31, authorities surrounded a short-term rental home in Katy after tracking a car used in a theft of over $5,000 worth of merchandise from Tommy Hilfiger and Guess. Court records show that officers noted the suspects were wearing earpieces to communicate during the thefts.
Law enforcement seized three bags of stolen clothing, multiple flight tickets, two Mexican IDs, and a police release from Beverly Hills.
In November 2024 and January 2025, Homeland Security, in collaboration with the Houston Police Department, recovered $2 million in stolen goods during a raid in Laredo, Texas. Investigators identified one of the men arrested in the Laredo case as being involved in the Katy Mills Mall thefts.
Court records revealed that this individual had shipped multiple boxes from Minnesota to Laredo, containing around $200,000 worth of stolen merchandise. The warrant search further clarified the operation, stating: “These boosters travel from major cities to major cities, renting Airbnb homes and typically staying for approximately a week before moving on to another city. Previous search warrants at Airbnbs around the nation resulted in the recovery of hundreds of thousands of dollars in stolen retail merchandise.”
So far, authorities have linked 98 individuals to these thefts and other connected crimes. All are believed to be part of a South American cartel organization operating a theft ring across the United States.
Investigators estimate this particular faction is responsible for over $100 million in stolen merchandise nationwide.
The investigation is ongoing, and details about arrests or charges have not yet been released.
