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By: Ciara Perez | Investigative Journalist | iSkyNews.com
Published: August 8, 2025
Scottsdale, AZ — Two men from Colombia have been arrested in connection with a South American Theft Group (SATG) accused of targeting elderly victims across the Valley, stealing wallets while victims shopped and quickly racking up thousands in fraudulent purchases.
On August 6 at 10:14 p.m., Scottsdale Police arrested 37-year-old Luis Jimenez-Mojica and 26-year-old Daniel Ortega following an extensive, multi-agency investigation that began in May 2025.
According to authorities, the suspects would discreetly snatch wallets from unsuspecting elderly shoppers, then rapidly use the stolen credit cards to purchase electronics and other high-value items. In one early case that triggered the investigation, a Scottsdale victim’s cards were used to spend over $4,000 just moments after their wallet was stolen inside a grocery store.
The Scottsdale Police Street Crimes Unit, working closely with other Valley police departments and state agencies, uncovered that the same suspects were being tracked for similar crimes across Arizona. The SATG group is believed to be responsible for at least five thefts and more than $10,000 in fraudulent purchases in Scottsdale alone.
The Goodyear Police Department confirmed three similar thefts involving elderly victims on May 8 and June 7, all carried out using nearly identical tactics. In each case, the suspects appeared to specifically target elderly individuals who were distracted while shopping.
Both Jimenez-Mojica and Ortega were booked into the Maricopa County Jail and face the following charges:
- Theft – Purse Snatching
- Theft – Organized Retail
- Fraudulent Use of a Credit Card
- Aggravated Identity Theft
- Taking the Identity of Another
- Illegal Control of an Enterprise
Detectives from both Scottsdale and Goodyear coordinated interviews and collaborated to file charges in their respective jurisdictions.
Scottsdale Police Chief Jeffrey LeDuc emphasized the department's zero-tolerance stance toward organized crime groups:
“We remain relentless in our pursuit of those who come to our city to commit crimes. Our officers and detectives are committed to identifying, locating, and arresting those involved, and we continue to work closely with our valley law enforcement partners and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office to ensure they are held fully accountable. The bottom line is, if you come to Scottsdale to commit crimes, we will find you and arrest you.”
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities believe additional victims and incidents may be linked to the group. Scottsdale Police are urging anyone who believes they may have been targeted or victimized in a similar manner to contact their local law enforcement agency.
📎 Follow iSkyNews.com for continuing coverage as this story develops.
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