How a Miami Crime Ring Used Instagram to Steal Millions in High-End Jewelry, Luxury Cars and ...

That could be the motto of one Miami crime ring whose digital weapon of choice not only helped facilitate the theft of millions of dollars in luxury goods, but also put nine alleged thieves in jail Though Garcia and his accomplices are accused of multiple offenses-racketeering, conspiracy and burglary-some of the most daring involve the use of Instagram to steal jewels estimated to be worth between $600,000 to $1.7 million, cars and other luxury goods from wealthy individuals According to investigators who spoke with the Miami Herald, Garcia and his associates would stalk potential victims using the popular social media app.

After spending weeks scouting their marks' homes, the ring would even go as far as placing trackers on victims' vehicles to know their comings and goings From one Northwest Miami-Dade home they allegedly made off with jewelry, a gun and a Mercedes-Benz S63 The ring allegedly even went so far as to case the home of Yankees star pitcher Aroldis Chapman, whose house was video-recorded, presumably for a future heist.

Instagram may have unwittingly helped the ring seek out targets, but it turns out the app was also crucial to its downfall Garcia's girlfriend, Instagram model Maybel Sanchez, even posted pictures to her personal account wearing Rolex watches, jewelry and Louis Vuitton heels, "Identical to the ones removed from residence." Other items worn by the alleged perpetrators were also identical to stolen goods. . Source