Jewelry Theft Ring Targeted Aventura Exchanges in 'Boujee Bandits' Operation

Key member Leroy 'El Enano' Ortega pleads guilty and awaits sentencing in Miami

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A jewelry-theft ring that targeted the International Jewelry Exchanges in Aventura has led to a key member, Leroy 'El Enano' Ortega, pleading guilty in federal court and awaiting sentencing in Miami. Investigators say the crew came from Colombia to rob couriers across South Florida, prompting the FBI's multi-agency 'Operation Boujee Bandits' that also involved local police departments.

Why it matters

The 'Boujee Bandits' case highlights the ongoing threat of organized crime targeting high-value retail hubs like the jewelry exchanges in Aventura. The incident raises concerns about the security measures needed to protect businesses and couriers transporting valuable goods in the region.

The details

According to investigators, the jewelry theft ring known as the 'Boujee Bandits' came from Colombia to rob couriers across South Florida. They specifically targeted the International Jewelry Exchanges in Aventura, leading to a federal investigation dubbed 'Operation Boujee Bandits' that involved the FBI and local police departments. Key member Leroy 'El Enano' Ortega has now pleaded guilty in the case and is awaiting sentencing in Miami.

  • The 'Boujee Bandits' crew came from Colombia to commit the robberies across South Florida.
  • Leroy 'El Enano' Ortega has pleaded guilty in federal court and is awaiting sentencing in Miami.

The players

Leroy 'El Enano' Ortega

A key member of the 'Boujee Bandits' jewelry theft ring who has pleaded guilty in federal court and is awaiting sentencing in Miami.

International Jewelry Exchanges

A jewelry hub in Aventura that was targeted by the 'Boujee Bandits' jewelry theft ring.

FBI

The federal agency that led the 'Operation Boujee Bandits' investigation into the jewelry theft ring.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The judge in Leroy 'El Enano' Ortega's case will decide on his sentencing in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the need for enhanced security measures and collaboration between law enforcement and businesses to protect valuable retail centers like the International Jewelry Exchanges in Aventura from organized criminal threats.