The Los Angeles Division of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) formed a task force with local law enforcement to investigate and prosecute crimes that exploit the vulnerabilities created by the region’s wildfires.
The Joint Regional Fire Crimes Task Force will investigate crimes such as burglary, looting, arson, illegal drone activity, impersonation offenses, and financial fraud targeting disaster victims.
“Far too often, during tragic events like the Los Angeles-area wildfires, we have seen greedy individuals seek to line their pockets and divert critical funds from those most in need,” said Los Angeles HSI Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said on Jan. 17 that nine more people were charged with crimes committed during the wildfires ranging from felony arson, felony possession of ammunition, felony looting, and misdemeanor impersonation of a firefighter….