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The man in the prisoner’s box came here as a tourist — but he had no plans to visit the CN Tower.

Instead, he and his Colombian pals arrived at Pearson airport earlier this year on Mexican passports. Unlike Colombians, Mexicans no longer require a visa to Canada thanks to the Liberal government’s change of policy as of Dec. 1, 2016.

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Immediately upon arrival, according to police, he and his three compadres went to work — one of many South American crime cells that have come through Mexico and gone on to steal millions of dollars in high-end home break ins, distraction thefts and boosting from expensive shops.

And like the accused in the box, many quickly claim refugee status if they’re caught and enjoy welfare and legal aid as they postpone their deportation.

“It’s called criminal tourism,” a frustrated undercover officer — who asked that his name, special unit and GTA police service not be identified as they’re currently in the midst of a project targeting South American thieves — said outside of court.