The robbery was committed by minors and directed by cell phone from a Buenos Aires provincial prison. While three criminals overpowered an 82-year-old woman in her house in Martínez, one of the leaders of the so-called "Million Gang" was giving orders via video call from Melchor Romero Penitentiary Unit No. 45. The victim was Mónica Mancini, an influencer known on social media as @moni.datadeabuela.
The home invasion took place around 2:30 a.m. on Friday, January 9. The assailants climbed the fence, entered through the roof, and remained inside the residence for more than three hours. They pushed her, caused a wound on her back, and threatened her with a knife. They also warned her that they could burn her with boiling water or kidnap her if she did not hand over money and jewelry.
According to the investigation led by the deputy chief prosecutor of San Isidro, Patricio Ferrari, behind the coordination was Brandon Imanol Brites, 19 years old, who is being held in that prison and is identified as one of the leaders of the organization. From there, he allegedly followed in real time every move made by the thieves, indicating where to look for money and how to proceed inside the house.
The selection of the victim was not random either. The gang allegedly carried out prior intelligence work based on Mancini's public profile on Instagram. Based on that information, they obtained her address and analyzed movements. The structure combines digital spotters, perpetrators —often minors— and contacts who receive the money.
