A Brooklyn-based property management company blames the city for not doing more when the Tren de Aragua gang seized several apartment buildings.
A New York-based property management company has broken its silence on recent reports that a Venezuelan gang known for its violent and illegal activities took control of several apartment buildings it manages in Aurora, Colorado. The company said gang members seized control of some units, allegedly assaulted one of their employees, and tried to extort the company.
The landlord, CBZ Management, said in a series of posts on social media on Oct. 11 that law enforcement told them the notorious Tren de Aragua gang from Venezuela was behind the takeover, which the company said left their tenants and employees in a precarious situation, fearing for their safety.
The property management firm said the trouble began in late 2023, after they had made significant investments to upgrade several apartment complexes in Aurora.
“Everything was progressing smoothly: property values were rising, and vacancy rates were dropping. It was a win-win for both the owners and the city of Aurora,” CBZ Management said in one of the posts. “Then, the gangs arrived.”
CBZ Management detailed how they first noticed a rise in crime and tenant complaints, with an influx of unauthorized occupants infiltrating the buildings.
In one instance, a tenant returned from vacation to find strangers living in his apartment. When confronted, many of the illegal tenants claimed they had already paid rent—not to CBZ, but to a “different entity.”
“To address this entity (gangs) we contacted every city official we could think of to help with the problem,” the company said in one of the posts. “Unfortunately, none were willing to take meaningful action.”
CBZ Management said that it spoke to Aurora police, the FBI, and Homeland Security, who reportedly said that the gang was part of the Tren De Aragua criminal organization, which was also causing problems in other parts of the country.
“Two days after our FBI meeting, the gang confronted our on-site manager, asserting control over all three properties,” CBZ Management said. “They offered an ultimatum: share rental income 50/50 or lose the buildings permanently. They also threatened to harm him and his family.”
By Tom Ozimek
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