Overview
- The five men have returned to Argentina after paying bail of roughly $4,000 to $4,500 each set by Judge Mindy Glazer, and a hearing is scheduled for January 29, 2026 with virtual participation expected.
- Police reports and mall CCTV allege the group took suitcases from Burlington without paying and used them to conceal items from Columbia, The North Face and Tommy Hilfiger, with about $2,000 in merchandise recovered during a holiday security operation.
- The defendants say they made purchases using cash and cards but discarded some paper receipts, argue a language barrier fueled the confrontation, and complain of severe reputational harm from media coverage.
- Charges include an organized scheme to defraud and multiple counts of shoplifting, which could carry criminal and immigration consequences if convictions follow.
- Investigators continue to review video evidence, and the men plan to be represented in the U.S. by counsel as the case proceeds.