Venezuelan Migrant Gang Uses Hackers to Steal From NYC Women
At least seven members of a Venezuelan migrant gang were arrested in New York City after terrorizing women and stealing their phones. The gang allegedly used hackers to breach banking apps and make fraudulent purchases, draining victims’ bank accounts before sending the stolen phones to Colombia. Police believe the gang is led by 30-year-old Victor Parra, who had a tech expert hack the phones. This sophisticated criminal enterprise has been targeting victims’ Venmo, Zelle, and other money transfer accounts before shipping the phones overseas to be sold.
Shocking Footage Reveals Migrant Gang’s Bold Robbery Tactics
Surveillance footage captured one of the shocking thefts committed by the Venezuelan migrant gang. The video shows a woman being dragged by a moped as thieves attempted to steal her phone. These brazen tactics were used to steal not only phones but also wallets from at least 62 women in New York City. The gang members would then proceed to clear out victims’ bank accounts and make fraudulent purchases.
Migrants Raking in Cash with Phone Snatching Scheme
Police believe the Venezuelan migrant gang used a network of “ghost criminals” recruited through WhatsApp messages to carry out their crimes. The messages would instruct the recruits to steal specific phone models, allowing the gang to use Apple Pay and the owners’ credit cards to purchase items. The scooter drivers involved in the thefts were paid $100 per day, while the phone snatchers received between $300 and $600 per phone. The gang predominantly lives in the migrant shelter system and has been causing significant problems in New York City.
Mayor, Police Crack Down on Migrant Crime Wave
In response to the rising migrant crime wave, New York City Mayor Eric Adams participated in a sting operation and later announced a $53 million program to provide prepaid credit cards to migrant families with children. The program aims to save money and combat misinformation about the assistance being provided. Adams emphasized that these measures are not targeted at migrants and asylum seekers as a whole, but rather at those who break the law. He reaffirmed that anyone who commits a crime, regardless of their origin, will face consequences.
Asylum Seekers Involved in Violent Attack on NYPD
A group of asylum seekers was caught on camera assaulting two NYPD officers in Times Square last month. However, a Manhattan judge controversially released at least five suspects without bail. Four of the suspects have since fled the city, but several of them were apprehended at a Greyhound bus station in Phoenix, Arizona. All migrants involved in the assault are believed to be part of the same phone-snatching scheme, with the stolen funds being used to buy cars and build luxury homes in Ecuador and Venezuela.
New York City Struggles to Handle Influx of Migrants
New York City has been grappling with the arrival of over 100,000 migrants in recent months, exposing the city’s challenges in managing this influx. The criminal activities of the Venezuelan migrant gang highlight the strain on law enforcement resources. Mayor Adams’ $53 million program aims to address some of these issues by providing assistance to migrant families with children while also saving money. However, the case against the assailants involved in the attack on NYPD officers raises questions about bail and the city’s ability to handle the growing migrant population.
Analyst comment
1. Negative news. The market may see a decline in trust in banking apps and money transfer accounts, leading to decreased usage and potential financial implications for affected companies.
2. Negative news. The market may experience decreased consumer confidence in the safety of personal belongings and financial accounts, leading to reduced sales in the mobile phone and wallet industries.
3. Negative news. The market may witness increased scrutiny and regulation on migrant shelters, potentially impacting their operations and causing issues for the housing industry.
4. Neutral news. The market may not experience significant effects, as the program aims to address crime issues rather than target migrants and asylum seekers as a whole.
5. Negative news. The market may see increased concerns over public safety and crime rates, potentially leading to decreased tourism and affected local economies.
6. Negative news. The market may face challenges in meeting the needs of a growing migrant population, impacting sectors such as housing, healthcare, and social services. Additionally, concerns may arise regarding the city’s ability to maintain law and order.
