WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Authorities have dismantled what they believe is a sophisticated criminal cell linked to a “South American Theft Group” responsible for a string of targeted residential burglaries across Northwest Washington.
According to a probable cause affidavit filed in Whatcom County Superior Court on February 23, 2026, 4 men were arrested following a multi-agency investigation involving physical surveillance, GPS tracking and a K9 pursuit. Investigators have linked the group to over $1.4 million in total losses.
The Bellingham Police Department investigation intensified after a February 18, 2026, burglary on Grady Way in Bellingham, where suspects speaking Spanish were caught on camera ransacking a home and stealing a safe.
Detectives noted a disturbing pattern in recent burglaries: the victims were primarily business owners of Asian descent.
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Police tracked a black Dodge Durango and a Hyundai Elantra, both with Texas registrations, to an apartment complex on Westerly Road in Bellingham. Surveillance revealed the vehicles were also present during a February 19, 2026, burglary in Anacortes where over $4,000 in luxury watches and jewelry were stolen. The Dodge was also identified by Snohomish County Sheriff’s Department as being involved in 3 separate burglaries targeting victims of Asian descent in the cities of Snohomish and Mill Creek.
The four suspects identified in the affidavit are:
- Daniel Sanchez Castillo
- Edward Enrique Rodriguez
- Kenver Lenny Cortes Romero
- Jefren Moreno Godoy (who allegedly fled a traffic stop and attempted to hide evidence)
During a search of the suspects’ apartment, investigators recovered “go bags” filled with jewelry, designer handbags and large amounts of cash.
The suspects face multiple felony charges, including criminal conspiracy, residential burglary and malicious mischief. Notably, they are also charged with hate crimes, as investigators determined the victims were intentionally selected based on their race and ethnicity.
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The affidavit describes the group as part of a larger organization operating nationwide. Investigators noted the “transient nature” of the suspects, who claimed to be looking for work as granite installers but were allegedly planning to return to Texas the day after their arrest.
Authorities expect to link the recovered property to more victims as the investigation continues.
The suspects were booked into Whatcom County Jail on February 20, 2026.
As of February 26, 2026, all 4 remained in custody at the jail pending being able to post the following bond amounts.
- Daniel Sanchez Castillo – $250,000
- Edward Enrique Rodriguez – $150,000
- Kenver Lenny Cortes Romero – $150,000
- Jefren Moreno Godoy – $260,000
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