California authorities are investigating two cargo thefts totaling approximately $70,000 from an Anheuser-Busch distribution center in Montclair, California, with investigators examining whether fraudulent pickup documentation was used to remove the shipments.
The incidents occurred on Aug. 17 at the distribution center located at 4545 Brooks Street. One shipment, scheduled for delivery to Tucson, Arizona, never reached its intended destination after being picked up. A second incident later involved products from both Anheuser-Busch and Pabst Blue Ribbon.
First shipment disappears en route to Tucson
The Montclair Police Department recorded the first case under report number CR 26-3601. According to the department, the incident began at approximately 10 a.m.
The Tucson-bound shipment was valued at an estimated $45,000. Although the cargo left the facility for delivery, it never arrived at its destination.
Investigators are now working to determine what happened to the shipment after it was released from the distribution center.
Fraudulent documents allegedly used in second pickup
Approximately one hour after the first report, officers received information about a second incident involving the same distribution center. Police logged that case as CR 26-3562.
The second pickup involved approximately $25,000 worth of Anheuser-Busch and Pabst Blue Ribbon products. According to police, a purported subcontracting company used fraudulent documentation to arrange the transaction.
The department identified discrepancies involving information connected to the trucking company, the driver and the vehicles involved.
Investigators also found similarities between the two incidents and are examining whether both thefts were carried out by the same fraudulent cargo-theft operation.
At this stage, police have not identified any suspects and have not announced any arrests.
Investigation remains active
Together, the two missing shipments have a reported value of approximately $70,000.
The Montclair Police Department said the investigation remains active and ongoing. The department told FreightWaves that officers are currently at the distribution center.
Officer Dominguez told investigators: “The only thing the two thefts have in common is the same broker arranged these pickups.”
The officer also stated: “The same broker tried to send in a truck last week and was rejected.”
Police are encouraging anyone with information about the incidents to contact the department. The Montclair Police Department can be reached at 909-621-4771.
Authorities have not released details about the subcontracted freight broker involved in the cases. The department also has not identified the driver or the trucking company.
Investigators have not disclosed whether either of the missing shipments has been recovered.
FreightWaves said it will update the article when new information becomes available.
Why It Matters
Fraudulent pickup documentation can allow valuable freight to leave a facility before anyone realizes that something is wrong.
For transportation and logistics professionals, the incidents underline the importance of having clear and reliable procedures in place to verify pickup information before cargo leaves a company’s control.
Documentation alone may not be enough. Companies must also confirm who is arriving to collect the freight and whether that individual and the vehicle involved match the details of the planned pickup.
CFCO View
In my opinion, FreightWaves Certified Fraud Compliance Officer training can help transportation and logistics teams avoid being victimized by scams like this. Training can give employees a repeatable verification process before a shipment is released. Effective verification needs to be more than just looking at documents. “It’s important for teams to know exactly who’s coming to pick up the freight and ensure that person matches who they have on the authorized pickup agreement.”
