Robbery Stopped: International team caught for bank robberies across California

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) — A gang of international outlaws attacks Valley ATMs and other ATMs across the state in an attempt to steal millions of dollars.

Disguised in construction vests and medical masks, the group is said to have raided buildings with ATMs to coordinate their attack plan.

The FBI began investigating the group in May after an ATM attack in Merced that matched similar cases in the Sacramento area.

The costumes and tactics caught the eye of investigators, including spray-painted security cameras, signal blockers and blowtorches.

The FBI alleges the group used a divide-and-conquer approach to gain access to an ATM at a Modesto store.

Several members of the group entered a neighboring pet spa.

While some employees were distracted, others were testing the material of the wall.

Outside, members dressed in construction vests spray paint on security cameras.

Hours later, the posse returned, broke through the wall of the pet spa to get to the ATM, and then broke into the ATM with a blowtorch.

Similar tactics were used in the Fresno area.

Five locations were targeted in Fresno and Clovis between May and September.

The group was successful at three locations.

They stole approximately $100,000 at two locations in Fresno. In Clovis, at least $300,000.

As the FBI investigated, three cars repeatedly appeared in surveillance videos of ATMs being attacked.

At least one car was stolen and was part of an underground car rental operation.

This operation was linked to a club promoter in Hollywood.

After searching his phone, the FBI discovered there was an AirTag in the car, which they traced to a Turlock Airbnb.

Through the AirTag, Airbnb reviews and social media posts, the FBI was able to track the group's movement along the West Coast.

At one point, they even used a money app to identify one of the suspects by attempting to make a transaction.

Eventually they were able to create a suspect list of 10 people.

Only nine people were identified, most of whom are said to be Chilean nationals. They are now being charged with various parts of the operation.

Many of the suspects are said to have used multiple identities, to have a criminal record and to have other warrants.

One could face extradition to Chile over a 2015 theft in which someone died.

According to the LA Times, the group was able to steal $2.5 million from their heist.

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