Houston police have arrested 20 people in connection with a South American burglary ring- tied to West University- recovering $4 million in stolen property, according to investigators. The ring is believed to be responsible for more than 60 home break-ins across the Houston area.
Court records show, Chilean national Patricio Munoz and his wife, Tania Barra, were arrested. Investigators said the couple was funding and directing many of the break-ins. Officials say the FBI has linked the same Chilean burglary ring to break-ins at the homes of professional athletes in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Kansas.
When Munoz and Barra were arrested last month, they were initially booked on charges of tampering with government records.
Court records showed Munoz had a fake Mexican passport and fraudulent car title, while Barra is alleged to have used a fake Argentinian ID to rent an apartment.
Both are also wanted by federal immigration authorities.