Nine people were arrested in Southern California after authorities seized about $7 million in stolen retail merchandise and roughly $1 million in cash. Detectives served 13 search warrants between December and February across Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties as part of a multi-agency probe into organized crime and cargo theft. Investigators recovered goods from shipments belonging to 36 companies, and suspects face charges including grand theft cargo and money laundering. Authorities have asked the public to contact the Organized Retail Crimes Task Force with any tips.
Southern California Bust: 9 Arrested, About $7M in Stolen Retail Cargo and $1M in Cash Recovered
9 suspects arrested after $7M in stolen cargo seized in Southern California bust
Authorities in Southern California arrested nine people after seizing roughly $7 million in stolen retail merchandise and about $1 million in cash, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.
Detectives served 13 location search warrants between December and February in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.(Fox News)
Detectives executed 13 search warrants between December and February at locations across Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties as part of a multi-agency investigation into organized crime and cargo theft, the department said in a social media post. The operation targeted networks involved in diverting and reselling stolen shipments.
Detectives seized roughly $7 million of stolen cargo freight and $1 million in cash.
Recovered Goods
Investigators recovered a wide range of stolen items, including televisions, kitchen appliances, printers, soundbars, Ring cameras, air-conditioning units, tools, pool equipment, golf carts, ATVs, plush toys, clothing, shoes, energy drinks, liquor and cosmetics.
The suspects are facing charges of grand theft cargo, money laundering and receiving stolen property.
Officials identified shipments from 36 companies as having been targeted. Named brands and retailers included JB Hunt, Amazon, Sony, LG, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Costco, Wolff Shoes, Monster Energy and Disney.
Charges And Follow-Up
The nine suspects now face multiple charges, including grand theft cargo, money laundering and receiving stolen property. The sheriff’s department’s post did not identify the arrested individuals.
Authorities urged anyone with information about cargo theft or suspicious shipments to contact the Organized Retail Crimes Task Force, which the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department established in 2023 to combat retail cargo theft and related offenses.
Tip: If you have information about cargo theft, contact your local law enforcement or the Organized Retail Crimes Task Force.
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