A San Fernando Valley man pleaded guilty Monday to federal charges tied to his role in a “crime tourism” ring that sent thieves from Central and South America across the United States to shoplift, burglarize homes and businesses, and steal credit cards before laundering millions in illegal proceeds.
Miguel Barajas, 59, of Northridge, pleaded guilty to three charges: conspiracy to commit wire fraud, conspiracy to commit money laundering, and structuring transactions to evade financial reporting requirements. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 16.
According to a 46-count indictment, the operation was led by Juan Carlos Thola-Duran and his girlfriend, Ana Maria Arriagada, both of Santa Clarita. The couple ran a car rental business called Driver Power Rentals.
From 2018 through July 2024, Thola-Duran directed crime groups from Central and South America to travel throughout the country to carry out thefts, using vehicles supplied by the rental company, the indictment filed in Los Angeles federal court states.
After the thefts, Thola-Duran, 58, and Arriagada, 42, allegedly instructed associates who stole credit cards to immediately visit stores such as Target, Best Buy, and Home Depot to max out the cards on electronics, gift cards, designer handbags, and other high-end items before the cards could be canceled.
Prosecutors say Thola-Duran then arranged for the stolen goods to be delivered to Barajas and other associates at Driver Power Rentals or mailed to accomplices at a FedEx store in Sherman Oaks.
Barajas and other co-defendants allegedly picked up the packages and delivered them to Thola-Duran and others, with Thola-Duran acting as a fence who bought the stolen merchandise at a fraction of its retail value.
Federal prosecutors contend Thola-Duran sold the stolen goods for about $5.5 million during the conspiracy, including $5.1 million deposited into bank accounts controlled by accomplices.
Authorities also allege Thola-Duran and Arriagada used the proceeds to buy assets such as real estate and horses and structured cash withdrawals to avoid triggering federal reporting requirements for transactions over $10,000.
The indictment further claims Thola-Duran and others conspired to fraudulently obtain $274,998 in COVID-19 business relief loans.
Thola-Duran is scheduled to stand trial in August. Arriagada pleaded guilty in June 2025 to charges including wire fraud, receipt of stolen property, money laundering, and structuring transactions, and is awaiting sentencing.
Leave a Reply