Cargo theft is entering a new and more dangerous phase, according to TT Club and BSI Consulting, which warn that organised criminal networks are now operating with greater sophistication across the global supply chain.
The two organisations say criminals are exploiting vulnerabilities across road, rail, sea and digital channels, using increasingly advanced methods to target freight.
Among the tactics identified are fraudulent documents, impersonation schemes, fictitious pickups and double or triple brokering. Criminal groups are also taking advantage of cybersecurity weaknesses to gain deeper access to supply chain systems.
The data paints a worrying picture. Sea piracy rose by 85% in the first half of 2025, reaching its highest level in a decade. The report also points to cartel-coordinated rail raids in the United States, a $9 million smartphone robbery at Heathrow Airport and a 281% surge in piracy in the Strait of Malacca. Theft of rare earth minerals in China is also emerging as a growing concern.
Road transport remains the most exposed mode, accounting for 70% of all recorded incidents. But rail theft is rising sharply, especially in the U.S., where its share increased from 4% of total incidents in 2024 to 10% last year.
The study also found that insiders are involved in 22% of theft cases.
TT Club managing director Mike Yarwood said the findings make it clear that cargo theft can no longer be treated as a static or predictable threat. In his view, organised criminal groups are adapting faster than ever, exploiting new commodities, new technologies and new supply chain vulnerabilities.
That, he said, makes intelligence-led and proactive mitigation essential rather than optional.
To address the growing threat, the report recommends dynamic risk assessments by commodity type, stronger GPS tracking, tamper-evident seals, tighter governance of load board usage, greater investment in scanning technologies and improved intelligence-sharing between agencies. It also stresses the need for closer scrutiny of subcontracted transport providers.
