Federal prosecutors report that they have apprehended what they’re calling the real-life “Ocean’s Eleven,” or more accurately, the “Pacific Seven,” involved in the largest gem theft in U.S. history.
Authorities have charged seven individuals with stealing $100 million worth of gold, diamonds, luxury watches, and other valuables from a Brink’s armored truck in California during July 2022.
The indictment comes three years after this audacious heist, with the Justice Department claiming it’s the most significant gem theft ever recorded in the country.
The valuable cargo had been loaded into the Brink’s truck the evening prior, following a gem and jewelry show south of San Francisco. It was then en route to another event northeast of Los Angeles, about 300 miles away.
According to staff and reports, the thieves ambushed the truck at a rest area, making off with 73 bags filled with exceptional items, including diamonds, emeralds, and rubies.
FBI agents managed to recover some of the stolen goods while executing a search warrant on Monday, as stated by the DOJ.
One alleged thief, who hails from the Los Angeles area, could face up to 20 years behind bars.
One of the suspects, Jazael Padilla Rest, is currently serving time in an Arizona prison for another burglary charge, as reported by the department.
Several other individuals have been implicated in intercepting shipments of Samsung electronics and other truck heists, including those involving Apple Airtags.
All seven defendants are facing various charges of conspiracy and theft, alongside five counts of robbery impacting commerce. If found guilty, they face potential decades in federal prison.
The accused are:
- Carlos Victor Mestanza Celcado, 31, from Pasadena
- Jazael Padilla Rest (also known as “Riccardo Noel Moya,” “Riccardo Barbosa,” “Alberto Javier Rosa Chamorro”), 36, from Boyle Heights
- Pablo Raul Lugo Laroig (aka “Walter Rosa”), 41, from Rialto
- Victor Hugo Valencia Solorzano, 60, from the Lampert Village area of Los Angeles
- Jorge Enriquearban, 33, from South Los Angeles
- Jeson Neron Plessilla Flores, 42, from Upland
- Eduardo Macias Ibarra, 36, from the Westlake district of Los Angeles
