Organized retail crime remains a serious problem for retailers across the country and around the world. Every day, there are countless stories about criminal enterprises victimizing stores, threatening the safety of customers and employees, and the very fabric of the retail industry. To give you a better feel for the vast impact of the problem, we have provided a glimpse into just a few of the incidents that took place in the month of October, 2024.
Fraudsters sentenced for tricking Apple out of more than a whopping $2.5 million
The US Department of Justice has announced that two Chinese citizens have been sentenced for participating in a scheme to defraud Apple out of millions of dollars’ worth of iPhones. Individuals in various parts of the United States received suspected counterfeit phones from Hong Kong and then submitted those phones to Apple for repair under the ruse that the phones are not functioning properly, all with the goal of getting Apple to provide them with genuine replacement iPhones. Conspirators submitted more than 5,000 inauthentic phones to Apple during the conspiracy. The fraudulent scheme was spotted by Apple and stopped before it ran to completion, but not before $2.5 million worth of losses were already accrued.
Six arrested in $2.4 million multi-year retail theft scheme involving Greece pawn shop
Six people were arrested in a years-long organized booster scheme that was uncovered by investigators. Prosecutors say a serial larcenist had “engaged in an unusually large number of transactions” at New York Gold Diamond in Greece (New York), prompting an investigation by a multi-agency task force. The suspects allegedly stole thousands of in-box items from several local retail stores and sold them to alleged fences at the pawn shop, which would then flip the items on eBay for a significant profit. The theft scheme generated more than $2.4 million in revenue for the pawn shop.
17 People Indicted for Conspiring to Steal More Than $2.4 Million in SNAP Benefits
17 people are facing federal charges for conspiring to defraud the United States of more than $2.4 million in fraudulent Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) purchases. The suspects are alleged to have possessed skimming devices and stolen EBT accounts to illegally purchase infant formula, energy drinks, and other SNAP-eligible nonperishable food items from grocery stores in Oregon, Washington, and California, and through websites associated with grocery stores offering curb-side pickup. Over the course of the conspiracy, the group purchased more than 120,000 pounds of goods and stored them at residential properties and storage units in Oregon and Washington until they were packaged and transported to California. The fraudulent goods were then sold on the black market.
Southeast Pennsylvania-Based Organization Profited $850K in Theft Return Scheme
Attorney General Michelle Henry, along with the Pennsylvania State Police, announced charges against the three alleged leaders of an ORC crew who stole merchandise, altered receipts, and made returns at TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls stores, resulting in more than $850,000 in payouts. Most of the transactions began with the theft of items, which were ultimately returned for store credit. While the organization targeted more than 1,000 store locations in nine different states, most of the transactions happened in and around suburban Philadelphia.
Man Indicted for Over $800,000 in Retail Theft
A man has been arraigned on federal charges in connection with defrauding Home Depot of more than $800,000. The suspect and a crew of conspirators allegedly used fictitious driver’s licenses and fraudulent debits cards to exploit vulnerabilities within Home Depot’s equipment and tool rental service. The co-conspirators then failed to return the rented equipment and tools. GPS devices attached to the rental equipment were then disabled in an effort to avoid detection. They also allegedly used stolen license plates to conceal their involvement in the scheme.
3 men caught at warehouse with nearly 2,000 TVs stolen from Walmart
Three men have been arrested for stealing televisions from Walmart by the truckload. A federal criminal complaint said that Walmart contracted for the transport of two tractor-trailer loads of flat screen televisions from a warehouse in Summerville, South Carolina to distribution centers in Douglas, Georgia and Cullman, Alabama. Each load contained approximately 936 televisions with a value of approximately $130,000 U.S. dollars, for a total of approximately 1,872 televisions valued at approximately $260,000. Those loads were never delivered and instead were sent to Laredo and a falsified proof of delivery was sent to Walmart for the loads. During a search of the property, numerous pallets of stolen TV’s totaling to the fair market value of approximately $130k US dollars and false bills of lading associated with other recent thefts of interstate shipments of merchandise were also recovered, including two prior loads of 2,160 flat screen televisions stolen from Walmart worth $189,376.
Southern California police seize nearly 10,000 stolen gift cards
Police in Southern California have uncovered a scam in which thousands of gifts cards were stolen from stores across the region. Thefts occurred at more than 250 department stores across San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange counties in just a one-month span. Upon execution of a search warrant, about 9,500 stolen gift cards were seized. A photo shared by police showed stacks of stolen gift cards from stores like Target, Nordstrom, The Home Depot, Lululemon and eBay.
Suspects Charged For Roles in International Organized Theft Ring
Three suspects have been charged in connection to their roles in an international ORC ring, wherein conspirators stole cosmetics and other products from various retail establishments. Retail investigators including Target, Ulta Beauty, CVS and Walmart began an investigation after large-scale thefts occurred targeting premium skincare products, vitamins and cold/cough medicine. The investigation revealed that the thefts were committed by various individuals referred to as “boosters” who indicated that they were selling the stolen products to the suspects who resided in Prince George’s County, Maryland. In turn, they would store and sort the products at their residences and storage units, and then ship the stolen products to Honduras.
2 charged in multi-state scheme to ‘return’ 140 counterfeit iPads
Two suspects are accused of obtaining refunds of $163,000 in a multi-state scheme to buy iPads and then return counterfeits in their boxes to Target stores in Eastern Washington. On multiple occasions the suspects would return counterfeit iPads using the boxes from iPads purchased earlier in the day with gift cards. This same pattern was carried on at Target locations throughout the west and northwest United States. The scheme is known to have involved at least 140 counterfeit iPads.
$143,000 worth of stolen goods discovered in Southern California retail theft bust
Four suspects were arrested in an ORC ring in Southern California. The group is allegedly responsible for thefts across Orange and Los Angeles counties. Throughout the investigation, two residences in Anaheim and Bloomington were associated with the crew. When investigators served search warrants at the homes they discovered around $143,746 worth of stolen retail goods.
AG charges 7, dismantles Pittsburgh-based retail theft, gun-trafficking ring
Authorities have accused a Pittsburgh pawn shop owner of running a retail theft and gun-trafficking ring that bought and resold stolen items including iPhones, electronics and lawnmowers. Seven people identified as members of a group dubbed the “Six Figure Boys” were charged following a grand jury probe. Police recovered at least eight guns believed to be obtained through straw purchases or illegal transfers and more than $120,000 cash.
Ontario duo arrested, suspected of stealing $123,000 of beauty products
A man and woman suspected of stealing $123,000 of beauty merchandise during over 50 robberies in California were arrested in Ontario. Investigators concluded that between June and October of 2024 the suspects were responsible for over 50 thefts in California, where they stole a total of $123,000 in merchandise.
Counterfeit Goods
Customs seizes P11B ($194 million US) worth of fake goods
THE Bureau of Customs (Philippines) seized approximately P11 billion Philippine pesos ($194,200,485 USD) worth of counterfeit goods during a recent operation. Through its Intellectual Property Rights Division, the agency confiscated counterfeit items including those carrying brands such as Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Nike, Rolex, Apple, Hermes, Guess, Vans, Santa Cruz and Dior.
Phony luxury jewelry found in $1.6M bust of Lauderhill shop
During a the execution of a search warrant at a Lauderhill (Florida) store, 246 items of suspected counterfeit jewelry were seized, along with $20,358 in cash. The jewelry seized, which included Chanel, Christian Dior, Rolex, Warner Brother, Sanrio, Versace, Louis Vuitton and Gucci if authentic would have had a suggested retail price of $1,617,367.
Online sales in Europe, Europol seizes 27 million counterfeit masks
Nearly 28 million counterfeit and illegal products were confiscated, including 27 million masks, in an operation carried out in cooperation with 21 European countries. The operation led to the “dismantling” of 123 social media accounts and 36 websites selling counterfeit goods. Authorities also seized 800,000 items of clothing, sportswear, shoes, equipment and toys.
Hong Kong Customs seizes HK$820,000 in counterfeit goods
Hong Kong Customs carried out a significant operation targeting counterfeit goods resulting in the seizure of approximately 1,100 items, including suspected counterfeit clothing and sneakers, with an estimated market value of around $820,000.
Deputies Seize Over $600,000 in Counterfeit Goods
Over $600,000 in counterfeit merchandise was seized following an undercover operation in Rowan County (North Carolina). The goods were seized from a local Flea Market and was worth approximately $613,939. It included items such as shoes, watches, purses, sunglasses, and clothing. The counterfeit goods posed as name brands such as Nike, Coach, Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Rolex, Oakley, Adidas and Puma.
North Carolina officials seize $313,000 in THC-infused edibles disguised as popular snacks
A multi-county enforcement action resulted in the seizure of more than $313,000 worth of THC-infused gummies and snacks concealed by counterfeited brands that are popular with children and teenagers. In addition to the counterfeit branded edibles, 31 weapons, 1,800 kilos of marijuana products, and more than $300,000 in currency were seized as part of the operation involving 107 vape stores.
For Those Interested in Learning More
October was another busy month for those involved in organized retail crime. For those interested in learning more, here are some of the additional incidents that took place this month. Click on the links to explore some of these events:
2 women accused of $94K in thefts across 47 stores arrested
Two women police say are responsible for more than $94,000 in thefts from at least 47 stores were taken into custody in Franklin, Tennessee. Though the investigation is still ongoing, authorities said they have linked the women to similar thefts in several other jurisdictions between Tennessee and Texas.
6 arrested in connection with $90K flash-mob style mall robbery
Four adults and two juveniles were arrested in connection with a flash-mob style robbery at the Westfield Topanga Mall (California), authorities said Sunday. Two stores in the mall were hit by 12 suspects who ran in and stole more than $90,000 worth of merchandise in a few minutes.
5 arrested in large-scale retail theft ring that targeted stores in 9 counties
Five people were charged in a significant ORC operation that targeted stores across nine counties in Southeastern and South-central Pennsylvania. The group allegedly stole over-the-counter medications and other health and beauty products in 40 documented incidents. The total value of stolen goods is estimated to be worth more than $71,000.
Two women charged in retail theft spree
Two women have been charged with stealing over $78,000 worth of merchandise from local stores over a three-month period, according to Albany County officials. The investigation into the theft ring is ongoing, and officials are working with loss prevention specialists in an effort to curb further incidents.
Miami woman allegedly part of theft ring targeting Ulta Stores
A Miami woman has been accused of stealing over $75,000 worth of products from Ulta Beauty and other stores on 56 separate occasions throughout 16 Florida counties. Additionally, detectives reported locating the suspect’s Facebook page, where she advertised and sold the stolen beauty items on Facebook Marketplace.
Couple arrested, accused of selling stolen, high-end tools on Facebook Marketplace
More than 250 stolen tools, construction equipment, and other property worth more than $60,000 were seized during the search of a home in East Nashville in connection with an alleged fencing operation involving the resale of stolen items.
4 arrested in connection with organized retail theft operation totaling $57K
Four people have been arrested in connection with an organized retail theft operation involving approximately $57,000 worth of stolen merchandise from 40 different retailers. Police also executed search warrants at two residential properties, seizing approximately 2,000 pieces of suspected stolen merchandise. A stolen handgun was also recovered.
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