A trio believed to have ties to a transnational crime group known as the “South American Theft Group” (SATG) was arrested in Evansville with about $17,000 worth of gift cards, cash, and other items associated with a fraud scheme, according to the Evansville Police Department (EPD).
Police say the SATG has regularly targeted Evansville over recent years, using distraction techniques to pickpocket unsuspecting shoppers at retail stores. Typically, members steal a wallet, then head to a nearby Sam’s Club to purchase thousands of dollars in gift cards, leaving the city before the crime is reported.
EPD investigators were conducting surveillance at Sam’s Club on Thursday when a detective noticed two women and a man displaying behavior characteristic of the SATG. The trio was seen exiting the store and getting into an SUV, which police soon pulled over.
The suspects were identified as Nelson Andres Contreras, Javiera Ignacia Cabello Solis, and Katherinne Valeska Molina Castro. During a search of the vehicle, police found numerous loose gift cards in plain sight, along with a blue bag filled with more cards. A total of 92 gift cards worth approximately $17,000 were seized, along with $3,300 in cash.
Further investigation revealed that both women wore concealing waist straps containing gift cards, stolen credit cards, and receipts for about $6,600 in Sam’s Club gift card purchases. EPD reported that Contreras had shouted “mouse!” to distract employees while the women completed their transactions.
A victim was identified when police traced one of the stolen credit cards, confirming that her wallet may have been taken by the two women at a local store. Store officials verified that the women were seen at the location.
All three suspects were booked into the Vanderburgh County Jail on charges of theft, fraud, forgery, and conspiracy, with bonds set at $25,000 each.
