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 April 2025.
Police Link Raid of Southeast Houston Home to $100M Theft Ring with Ties to Mexican Cartel
A theft investigation at a Houston area mall was found to have ties to a nationwide theft ring “directly tied to cartel organizations in Mexico,” court records say. The investigating officer was investigating “large-scale thefts” at the Katy Mills Mall when he saw four men enter the mall on surveillance video wearing earpieces. In total, they got away with suitcases full of about $5,000 worth of merchandise from the Tommy Hilfiger and Guess stores. The car was tracked to a home and a search warrant was executed where investigators seized three bags worth of stolen clothing, two Mexico IDs, a Beverly Hills police release, three airline tickets, and more. So far, 98 individuals have been linked to what is referred to as a South American Cartel Organization. In total, investigators say they are believed to be responsible for more than $100 million in theft across the US.
Two Romanian Nationals Sentenced in Mississippi Credit Card Skimming Scheme
Two Romanian nationals have been sentenced to 15 months in federal prison for installing credit card skimmers at stores across Mississippi, a scheme that targeted federal food assistance benefits and could have led to more than $37.6 million in fraud losses. The investigation uncovered more than 15 skimmers installed across Mississippi, Tennessee, and Louisiana. Stolen data was traced to fraudulent purchases as far away as New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
5 Members of ‘Sophisticated’ Organized Crime Ring from Romania Arrested in Houston
A massive investigation by federal, state, and local law enforcement led to the arrests of five people charged with a series of sophisticated fraud schemes. The agencies worked together to uncover and dismantle a Romanian organized crime ring operating in Houston and other cities. Investigators said they caught two suspects red-handed skimming from a Walgreens ATM. PPD found cash and over 300 re-encoded gift cards with victims’ stolen information in their car. Later that day, the Houston Police Department raided an Airbnb rental where they found a sophisticated skimmer manufacturing facility where the other suspects were arrested.
Conway County Couple Charged in $2M Home Depot Theft Scheme
A Conway, Arkansas couple has been arrested for their alleged involvement in an ORC ring, initiated after Home Depot’s Corporate Investigations team provided intelligence on a suspected ORC scheme targeting Home Depot stores nationwide. As part of this scheme, criminals were purchasing items from Home Depot’s website using gift card information obtained from Home Depot stores. The operation involved purchasing an estimated $2 million in merchandise fraudulently using more than 6,000 gift cards. The merchandise was then sold through numerous online shopping platform accounts. The recovered merchandise filled two large moving trucks and is now stored at a secure location.
Felony Charges Filed Against Suspected Gang Members for Multi-Million-Dollar Theft Spree
The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office filed a complaint against eleven members of a criminal street gang related to the theft of millions of dollars in merchandise. The charges allege that eleven members of a criminal street gang worked together to steal merchandise from Sunglass Hut locations, tobacco products from delivery trucks, and various items from Chanel, Nordstrom, and Alo Yoga. Members of the gang are believed to be involved in numerous retail thefts, robberies, stolen vehicles, and frequent dangerous police pursuits.
7 Pawn Shop Employees Arrested; Were Part of Organized Retail Crime Ring
Seven Broward County pawn shop employees have been arrested for allegedly being part of an ORC ring. The multi-year racketeering operation led to the loss of millions of dollars for various national retailers, such as CVS, Walgreens, Home Depot, Publix, and Walmart, among others. The items included over-the-counter medications, health and beauty products, tools, and electronics, many of which were still sealed in boxes and stolen from well-known stores. The items were then sold on e-commerce/online platforms. Detectives seized more than 50 pallets of stolen merchandise worth more than $750,000. The investigation remains ongoing.
2 Wanted Fugitives Connected to a Romanian ORC Ring Arrested in Utah
Two wanted fugitives connected to a Romanian ORC ring were arrested in Park City, believed to have been involved in the theft of more than $500,000 in merchandise across the US over the past year. The suspects, who were also believed to be connected to numerous thefts occurring across Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah counties, reportedly came to the Taylorsville Police Department’s attention after attempting to steal from a Taylorsville Ulta Beauty. During the arrest, police recovered approximately $15,000 worth of stolen property.
2 Delaware County-Based FedEx Workers, 7 Co-Conspirators Charged in $173K Cellphone Theft Scheme
Two Delaware County-based FedEx workers and seven co-conspirators have been arrested in connection to an organized cellphone theft scheme, accused of engineering a plan involving the theft of cellphones from shipments that were then allegedly sold by the co-conspirators. They are accused of stealing at least 181 phones, worth approximately $173,000, and recruited people to sell them at EcoATM stations. The seven other individuals who allegedly sold the stolen phones have also been charged with similar offenses.
Attorney General Bonta Dismantles Active Identity Theft Mill and Organized Retail Theft Scheme
Felony charges were filed against three people involved in a suspected identity theft mill, where stolen identities were utilized in an organized retail crime scheme. The defendants fraudulently obtained over $100,000 worth of merchandise from high-end retail stores and Harbor Freight retailers. This investigation began with a referral from a Signet Jeweler’s corporate fraud investigator, and was led by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) with collaboration form Homeland Security Investigations, Santa Maria Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and Westminster Police department.
Counterfeit Goods
CBP Seizes More Than $9.2M of Counterfeit Luxury Jewelry in a Single Shipment
US Customs and Border Protection officers at the El Paso port of entry recently seized a shipment of counterfeit designer jewelry with a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $9,222,800, had the goods been genuine. The consignment shipment was intercepted on April 9, originating from China, and destined for a residence in El Paso. The package contained 1,708 jewelry items such as rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, which resembled the well-known luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels’ “Alhambra” line. CBP worked with the trademark holder to confirm that the goods were not a legitimate product, and the seizure was authorized.
San Gabriel Woman Sold Fake Gucci, Louis Vuitton
A San Gabriel woman is facing up to 40 years in federal prison after she was charged with importing and selling counterfeit luxury goods from Hong Kong. The DOJ said those items, including clothing and accessories from brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton, were imported through the suspect’s employer in February. The items that were seized by law enforcement would have been worth about $1 million if they were real.
Over $729,000 in Counterfeit Cigarettes Seized by Officers at Southern US Border
A shipment of counterfeit cigarettes worth over $729,000 went up in smoke after being seized by customs officials. US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers seized 17,500 cartons of cigarettes after determining that the packaging bore counterfeit marks. The cigarettes, coming from Vietnam, had originally arrived in the country at Miami Seaport before CBP officers placed a hold on the shipment, detaining it once it arrived in Laredo.
For Those Interested in Learning More
April was a 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. Click on the links to explore some of these events:
3 Arrested in $40,000 Retail Theft Ring Recovery
A multi-county investigation led by the California Highway Patrol has resulted in the recovery of over $40,000 in stolen retail merchandise and the arrest of three suspects. This extensive operation successfully recovered a variety of retail goods such as diapers, toys, games, and Legos, along with boxes from major retailers like Target and Home Depot.
Men Accused of Stealing $34K Worth of Items from Phoenix-Area Stores
Two men are facing more than 30 charges after police said they operated as an ORC ring and stole more than $34,000 worth of merchandise from Phoenix-area stores including razors, razor refill cartridges, probiotics, allergy medication, electric trimmers, electric razors, vacuums, hygiene and health products, Crest white strips, Lego sets, and more.
Alleged Members of the Aragua Gang Arrested in Florida Accused of Robbing More Than 30 Businesses
Five undocumented immigrants, including members of the Tren de Aragua, were arrested in Florida for allegedly stealing from 32 businesses, resulting in losses of over $30,000. Two of the suspects are known members of the Tren de Aragua gang, while the other three are gang associates.
Teens Arrested Following Theft of $30,000 Worth of Sunglasses
Three teenagers from Victorville and Rialto are accused of stealing $30,000 worth of sunglasses from Chino Hills businesses before being captured following a police pursuit. The chase led into an unincorporated county area where the fleeing car became disabled and three suspects ran. All three were quickly apprehended.
3 Philly Men Arrested in Connection with Theft Ring Targeting Shoe Stores
Philadelphia police have identified and arrested three Philadelphia men suspected of being involved in an ORC ring targeting shoe stores. The three suspects were involved in a coordinated string of retail thefts, resulting in an estimated $28,500 in stolen merchandise.
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