Background
The Vetted ORC (Organized Retail Crime) initiative is a specialized task force dedicated to identifying and apprehending members of organized crime groups operating across the United States. This team collaborates with local law enforcement agencies (LEA) and private organizations to enhance threat recognition and reporting capabilities among staff members. This case study details a recent operation involving the identification and detention of a high-value target (HVT) at a festival.
Incident Overview
Location: Festival Entrance Gates
Suspects: 6 individuals (3 Hispanic males, 3 Hispanic females) exhibiting suspicious behavior typical of ORC members attempting to gain illicit entry.
Initial Contact and Entry
Upon observing the suspicious behavior near the gates, security personnel made contact with the group and photographed each individual. This proactive measure led the suspects to purchase one-day General Admission (GA) passes to gain legitimate entry into the event.
Despite purchasing GA passes, the suspects underwent extra screening to ensure they carried no illegal or prohibited materials. This thorough screening process allowed the ORC task force to closely monitor their movements within the venue.
OSINT Investigation
Utilizing Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) investigative tools, the ORC team identified a potential link between one of the suspects and a recent prison break in Bogotá, Colombia. A news article titled "Fuga masiva de presos en Bogotá: Aún buscan algunos reos" reported a massive escape from a police station in the San Fernando neighborhood, where multiple guards were injured. Although 20 suspects were recovered, 7 remained at large.
A detailed analysis of the suspects' photographs revealed that one individual matched the description and physical features of a fugitive, particularly noting a distinctive scorpion tattoo on the right side of his neck.
Issuing a BOLO and Detention
With the information gathered, the ORC task force issued a BOLO (Be On the Look Out) for the HVT within the festival premises. Within 30 minutes, the suspect was identified and detained. The ORC task force coordinated with local LEA undercover officers (UCs) to interrogate the suspect in an attempt to identify other members of his group within the venue.
Suspect's Non-Cooperation and Custody
Initially, the suspect feigned cooperation, attempting to escape. Recognizing this, the team swiftly took him into custody. Due to local sanctuary laws in Illinois, direct coordination with the Chicago Police Department (CPD) was not possible. However, the task force successfully coordinated with federal authorities, leading to the suspect's detention by ICE and subsequent transport to a detention facility in Wisconsin.
Broader Context of the Vetted ORC Initiative
The Vetted ORC initiative focuses on training staff members to recognize and report suspicious activity related to organized crime. The team has accumulated numerous leads on professional ORC groups, including foreign nationals, by documenting encounters and facilitating coordination with local LEA task forces.
In command, the team employs advanced investigative tools such as Cobwebs for OSINT and Deep Web investigations, Adtech Data, and other methods to link suspects across different locations and times. This comprehensive approach enables the ORC team to identify and apprehend common groups that frequently appear during festival seasons.
Conclusion
The successful identification and detention of a high-value target at the festival underscore the effectiveness of the Vetted ORC initiative. Through proactive measures, advanced investigative tools, and seamless coordination with local and federal authorities, the team continues to combat organized retail crime across the country. The collaborative efforts of the Vetted ORC team exemplify the importance of vigilance, training, and innovative investigative techniques in maintaining public safety and security.
