What Is The South American Theft Group & Why Are They In Maine?

A member of an international organized crime syndicate has been taken into custody in Maine by U.S. Border Patrol agents.

Member of the South American Theft Group Gang Caught in Maine

Officials will only identify the individual as a Colombian national and confirmed member of the South American Theft Group (SATG).

The individual was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol agents on July 30, 2025, in Union, Maine, and found to be in the country illegally.

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Border officials say the individual was detained in Texas in 2022 for illegal entry into the country, and they were processed for deportation.

Additionally, the person was flagged as a national security threat and confirmed member of the South American Theft Group.

The South American Theft Group Targets Expensive Homes and Designer Goods

According to the FBI, SATG members enter the U.S. illegally or overstay their visas and commit crimes, including commercial and residential burglaries. They frequently use fake IDs and documents, as well as rental vehicles and burner phones, making it very challenging for law enforcement to catch up to them.

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Officials say the gang members typically target expensive homes near golf courses, parks, or walking trails, making it easier for them to sneak onto the property. The FBI says the crooks mainly steal jewelry and designer accessories, frequently leaving more expensive items behind.

FBI Officials Say SATG Hubs are Located on Both East and West Coasts of the U.S.

But, while they aim for the high-end homes, officials say SATG members will also pick pockets and steal from retail outlets to help fund their stay in the U.S. Most of the higher-end profits are sent out of the country.

FBI officials say the groups typically retreat to one of their hubs, along the East or West Coast of the United States.

There's no information about why this gang member was in Maine or where the 'East Coast hub' may be located.

The individual taken into custody in Maine is being transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Enforcement and Removal Operations for detention.