- NYPD arrests seven migrants believed to be part of a cellphone robbery ring in the Bronx.
- Surveillance footage shows suspects on scooters snatching bags and dragging victims to the ground.
- Mayor Adams calls for national immigration reform and emphasizes that criminals should not define the migrant community.
Additional Coverage:
Seven migrants, believed to be part of a citywide robbery ring, were arrested in an NYPD raid in the Bronx. The ring targeted cellphone robberies, and some of the stolen goods were recovered during the raid. The criminals would steal cellphones and then hack into them to access banking apps. Surveillance footage showed incidents where suspects on scooters snatched bags and dragged victims to the ground. The investigation led to a raid and arrests at an apartment in the Bronx, with warrants issued for three other suspects. The alleged ringleader, Victor Parra, remains at large.
Videos provided by the NYPD showed the suspects, many of them migrants, working in pairs on mopeds to snatch iPhones, bags, and wallets from unsuspecting victims. Mayor Eric Adams joined the police officers in making the arrests, emphasizing that those who commit crimes will be treated as criminals, regardless of their migration status. Adams also highlighted that the majority of migrants and asylum seekers come to New York to pursue a better life and that criminals should not define their community. NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban noted that the lack of a paper trail and limited identification information makes it challenging to crack the case.
The crimes involved thefts committed by thieves on mopeds who targeted victims walking alone, with most victims being women. The stolen mopeds were often used in other crimes as well. In a previous effort to address the issue, the NYPD has seized over 2,500 illegal mopeds and scooters. The robbery pattern began in November 2023 and has affected various neighborhoods. The criminals organized and coordinated their thefts using social media platforms like WhatsApp. The suspects involved in the robberies would earn money from stealing phones and pass them to Parra, who had a tech specialist to hack into the devices and gain access to victims’ financial and banking apps.
Authorities have identified 14 members of the crew so far, with seven arrests made and more expected. The theft ring has raised concerns among Bronx residents, particularly for their vulnerable loved ones and neighbors. Mayor Adams emphasized the need for a national solution to address the problem, stating that it is not solely an issue in New York. He urged for real immigration reform to address this national problem. However, he also made it clear that these criminals should not be seen as representative of all migrants and asylum seekers, who are striving to contribute positively to society.