Eight people have been charged in connection with an alleged international cargo theft network that U.S. authorities say stole more than $10 million worth of freight across the country over the past three years.
According to federal prosecutors in New York, the group carried out a well-organised operation that targeted commercial shipments by posing as legitimate transport companies before diverting the cargo and selling it for profit.
Investigators believe the organisation operated across multiple U.S. states with support from an overseas dispatcher who coordinated activities involving drivers, facilitators and warehouse workers. Once shipments were secured, the group allegedly altered delivery details, removed tracking devices and unloaded the cargo before reselling it through various channels. Some buyers are also accused of knowingly purchasing stolen goods.
The alleged scheme targeted a wide range of products, including electronics, alcoholic beverages, meat, seafood, eggs, clothing, skincare products and cryptocurrency mining equipment.
Court documents describe several high-value thefts linked to the investigation. These include a whiskey shipment worth more than $360,000, beauty products valued at over $114,000, approximately 23,400 dozen eggs worth around $51,000, a clothing shipment valued at $1.2 million, and a separate liqueur shipment estimated at $300,000.
Seven of the eight suspects have been arrested in California, Florida, Pennsylvania and New York. One defendant was already in federal custody in connection with another case, while another remains wanted by authorities.
U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton said organised cargo theft represents a growing threat to the country’s supply chains and commercial transport sector. FBI Assistant Director James C. Barnacle Jr. added that the defendants allegedly formed part of an international network that stole freight and resold it for financial gain.
If convicted, each of the defendants faces up to five years in prison on the cargo theft conspiracy charge. One of the accused also faces a separate extortion conspiracy charge in another federal case, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years. Final sentencing, if there are convictions, will be decided by a federal judge.
