Arrest Warrants Secured For So-Called 'Tourist Burglars': Greenwich PD

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Police Department announced Monday afternoon it has secured eight arrest warrants for burglary crews accused of operating in Greenwich and other Fairfield and Westchester County towns.

"The area has been experiencing many burglars committed by separate criminal groups commonly called 'tourist burglars,'" the GPD said in a news release. "The suspects enter the United States and commit several burglaries in an area, and then leave the United States, returning to their country of origin. The problem has become pervasive in the greater tri-state area, as well as other regions of the country."

Police said the different crews, which are separate from each other and have no connection, use the same tactics to commit their crimes.

Since October 2021, Greenwich has experienced over 70 residential burglaries, according to the GPD, all of which match the following:

• The suspects hit high-end properties in the evening hours after sunset
• Residents are not home
• Suspects enter through a second-floor window/door
• If the home is armed with an alarm, the suspects flee the area and do not steal any property

Police noted that residents should lock their doors and windows and activate their alarm systems, if equipped, when not at home.

If on vacation, or just out for the evening, residents should light up the home on the inside and ask neighbors to take hold of their mail and any deliveries.

The GPD has been working with law enforcement agencies from New York, New Jersey, and the FBI in order to identify and arrest these numerous crews.

Arrestees & Charges

Police said Det. Christopher Libasci of the GPD investigated a burglary in Old Greenwich and was able to identify and prepare arrest warrants for the following three people, who are currently in custody in Delaware:

Stefano R. Cortes Munoz

• Last known address in Santiago, Chile.
• Charges: Third-degree burglary and first-degree larceny
• Bond: $2.5 million

Cesar A. Almedia-Casas

• Last known address in East Elmhurst, NY
• Charges: Third-degree burglary and conspiracy
• Bond: $500,000

Axil J. Castillo-Almedia

• Last known address in East Elmhurst, NY
• Charges: Conspiracy to commit burglary in the third degree
• Bond not listed

Police said Det. Michael Hall of the GPD investigated burglary that occurred in the mid-country section of town, and was able to identify and prepare arrest warrants for the following five people, who are currently in custody in New Jersey:

Francisco J. Maturana

• Last known address in Kissimmee, Fla.
• Charges: Conspiracy to commit burglary in the first degree
• Bond: $50,000

Lautaro-Alejand D. Achiardi; Lidia Gil-Andreu; Felipe A. Hermosilla-Lizama; Rodrigo Hermosilla-Lizama

• Last known addresses in East Meadow, NY
• Charges: Conspiracy to commit burglary in the first degree
• Bonds: $50,000 each