Men Linked to South American Crime Group Charged in Mequon Burglaries

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Two Chilean men have been charged with breaking into three homes in Mequon, Wisconsin during the same time period they were charged with breaking into a home in Delafield late last year. The men are believed to be part of a larger crime ring that uses sophisticated tactics to target large homes with wooded backyards while the homeowners are away, stealing jewelry and designer bags but leaving behind other expensive items like electronics.

Why it matters

This case highlights the growing threat of organized crime groups from South America targeting affluent neighborhoods in the Midwest, raising concerns about home security, surveillance systems, and the ability of local law enforcement to combat these sophisticated criminal operations.

The details

According to the criminal complaint, the men - Leandro Pino Uribe, Enjerbet Rojas Silva, and Luciano Silva Cifuentes - are believed to be part of a larger crime ring that follows a pattern of targeting large houses with wooded backyards and breaking in by shattering glass. The group always strikes while the homeowners are away. Victims report the thieves steal jewelry and designer bags, but leave behind other expensive items like electronics, often putting the stolen goods in a pillowcase taken from the home.

• In late 2025, the men were charged with breaking into a home in Delafield.
• In the same time period, they are now charged with breaking into three homes in Mequon.

What they’re saying

What’s next

Authorities are still investigating the full scope of the South American crime ring's operations in Wisconsin and across the Midwest, and are working with state and federal agencies to determine if the group has targeted homes in other states during their travels.