LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Six individuals were arrested Wednesday in connection with an extensive international burglary ring operating under the guise of a “crime tourism” operation, U.S. authorities announced. The crew used a Los Angeles-based rental car business to supply thieves with high-end vehicles, facilitating hundreds of thefts across the United States.
According to the indictment, Juan Carlos Thola-Duran, 57, of Canyon Country, and Ana Maria Arriagada, 41, of Van Nuys, operated Driver Power Rentals (DPR), a car rental service that specifically catered to criminals. The business provided rental cars, often high-end models, to a network of burglars targeting homes, businesses, and even stealing credit and debit card information. The crime ring is believed to have committed over 120 burglaries in more than 80 cities across California and the U.S. since 2018.
The crew was also accused of buying stolen electronics, designer items, and gift cards with stolen credit card details and selling them for a fraction of their retail price. The stolen goods were funneled through various associates, including Miguel Angel Barajas, 57, and John Carlo Thola, 33, who helped distribute the stolen items.
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the nationwide impact of the operation, stating that the crimes were not limited to local communities but had broader implications, affecting states across the country. Authorities served 11 federal search warrants in California, seizing 25 vehicles, several properties, and even horses.
The indictment further alleges that Thola-Duran and his associates used proceeds from the crime to purchase assets, including real estate, while attempting to avoid detection by structuring cash withdrawals to evade financial reporting requirements. They also fraudulently obtained COVID-19 relief loans amounting to nearly $275,000.
If convicted of all charges, including wire fraud, money laundering, conspiracy, and other offenses, the suspects face decades in prison. Federal prosecutors warned that this crackdown is just part of a larger effort to stop “crime tourism,” with other recent arrests showing a growing trend of international criminals targeting California.
“Our message to crime tourists is clear: your days are numbered,” Estrada said.
