Operation Crook, Line and Stinker
American Greed
Rafael Astacio was a former detective with the New York City Police Department. Between 2010 and 2012, Rafael Astacio was a member of a burglary crew that committed approximately three dozen commercial burglaries and ten residential burglaries in the Eastern District of New York stealing approximately $8,000,000 in cash and property. Astacio personally participated in six of the commercial burglaries and five residential burglaries stealing more than $5.3 million in cash and property. The crew used traditional burglary tools, such as blow torches, crowbars, wire cutters, and sledge hammers, as well as cell phone jammers, police scanners, and an automobile tracking device to commit these crimes. Astacio also used his position with the NYPD to locate potential burglary targets' home addresses. "For years, Astacio and his crew invaded Long Island homes and businesses and stole money and property. By victimizing the very same people he took an oath to serve and protect, the defendant compounded his criminal acts," stated United States Attorney Capers.