Nine Arrested, $7 Million in Stolen Cargo Seized in Southern California Multi‑Agency Bust
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says nine suspects have been arrested and approximately $7 million in stolen cargo and about $1 million in cash seized in a multi‑agency probe of organized cargo theft across Southern California. Between December and February, detectives executed 13 search warrants at locations in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, recovering everything from televisions and kitchen appliances to ATVs, golf carts, liquor and cosmetics. Authorities say at least 36 companies were hit, including major carriers and retailers such as JB Hunt, Amazon, Sony, LG, T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Dollar General, Family Dollar, Costco, Monster Energy, Disney and Wolff Shoes. The suspects face charges including grand theft cargo, money laundering and receiving stolen property, though officials have not yet released their names or detailed potential sentencing exposure. The case highlights the scale and sophistication of cargo theft rings hitting U.S. supply chains and retailers, a trend law enforcement and industry groups have been warning about as organized retail crime grows more brazen.
📌 Key Facts
- Nine suspects were arrested in connection with an organized cargo‑theft investigation in Southern California.
- Detectives served 13 search warrants between December and February in Los Angeles, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
- Authorities seized roughly $7 million in stolen cargo and about $1 million in cash tied to thefts from at least 36 companies, including Amazon, Costco and national freight carrier JB Hunt.
📊 Relevant Data
Cargo theft incidents in the United States surged by 60% in 2025 compared to 2024, with estimated losses reaching nearly $725 million, and California and Texas accounting for 58% of these incidents.
Cargo Theft Surged 60% in 2025, $725M in Estimated Losses — Carrier Management
South American Theft Groups (SATGs), primarily composed of nationals from Chile and other South American countries, exploit the U.S. Visa Waiver Program to enter the country and commit organized burglaries and thefts, with groups linked to over 60 home burglaries in areas like Houston since early 2026.
Law enforcement still grappling with TdA, South American theft group crimes — The Center Square
South American Theft Groups consist of foreign nationals of South American descent who enter the U.S. illegally or overstay visas, committing commercial and residential burglaries, with profits often wired overseas; population of South American origin in the U.S. is approximately 3.5 million (about 1% of total U.S. population as of 2023), yet they are prominently involved in these organized crimes.
Inside the FBI: Intercepting the South American Theft Group Threat — Federal Bureau of Investigation
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