Recently, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) made multiple arrests linked to a $7 million cargo theft that affected 36 businesses.
Law enforcement officials apprehended nine individuals as part of a broader multi-agency investigation into organized crime and cargo theft, according to a report Monday.
LASD’s Cargo Crime Enforcement Team (CCATS) executed search warrants at 13 locations across Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties from December through February.
As a result of the inquiry, authorities recovered $7 million in stolen goods along with $1 million in cash. The businesses that fell victim to the theft included JB Hunt, Amazon, Sony, LG, and several others.
Details of the stolen items include:
Hisense TVs, LG microwaves, Canon printers, Wolf shoes, Sony soundbars, Milwaukee tools, golf carts, ATVs, Disney clothing, LG appliances, Jelly Cat stuffed animals, Axil XCor Pro headphones, Black & Decker tools, Craftsman tools, Pentair pool equipment, Ring cameras, Style Craft hair clippers, Mastercool AC units, Monster Energy Drinks, Classica Cordial premium liquor, and cosmetics.
Photos shared by LASD depicted athletic shoes, cash bundles, stacks of electronics, and refrigerators.
“The suspects face charges including Grand Theft Cargo, Money Laundering, and Receiving Stolen Property. The case will be submitted for review,” LASD explained.
In 2022, there was an incident involving thieves raiding a freight train near downtown Los Angeles, reportedly scattering medical supplies on the tracks. Video footage captured the aftermath, showing torn packaging and other materials strewn about.
At that time, LAPD Chief Michael Moore indicated that firearms might have been among the stolen items during the incident.
In related news, thieves in April 2025 were reported to have stolen a truck from a Southern California trucking company.
Meanwhile, LASD urged anyone with information on cargo theft to contact the Organized Retail Crime Task Force or call Crime Stoppers anonymously.
