SNOHOMISH COUNTY—Two 34-year-old men were arrested for burglary allegedly tied to millions of dollars in stolen property from the homes targeting East Indian and Asian American families.
On Wednesday, May 1, Sheriff’s Office Robbery and Burglary (RBU) detectives, Lynnwood Police detectives, and Homeland Security arrested two suspects at a residence in the 6500 block of McKinley Ave in Tacoma in connection to a two-year joint investigation. This marks the tenth arrest of suspects believed to be part of an organized crime group from South America responsible for over 300 burglaries in King and Snohomish Counties since 2021, resulting in losses exceeding $5 million in cash and jewelry.
On Wednesday, a 34-year-old man was arrested and booked into Snohomish County Jail for 11 counts of burglary and six counts of theft, and a second 34-year-old man was booked for 12 counts of burglary and 7 counts of theft. In addition, detectives referred an additional six counts of burglary and three counts of theft on a 24-year-old man who was already being held in the Snohomish County Jail on charges related to this investigation.
Since November 2023, the two 34-year-old suspects have been linked to a dozen burglaries in Snohomish County, including in unincorporated south Snohomish County, the city of Lynnwood and the city of Mukilteo.
During the investigation, detectives determined the suspects have targeted Asian and East Indian homeowners, with the belief that they keep large sums of cash and jewelry stored in their homes. Detectives believe the suspects are finding victims through locally owned small businesses and open-source databases by running a name query.
The two 34-year-old suspects are expected to make their first court appearance at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 2.
In June of 2023 the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and Homeland Security involved in a multiagency operation arrested three male suspects for burglary believed to be part of the organized South American crime group who target East Indian and Asian families throughout Puget Sound.
This remains an active investigation.Â
Article Update: 1:58 p.m., May 2, 2024, with pictures from a crime scene.
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
