QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) — The largest organized retail theft case in Queens history has been busted and millions of dollars in seized stolen goods recovered.
Prosecutors said the thieves were targeting cosmetics, beauty products, branded clothing and accessories. Five people have been arrested, including the couple.
Prosecutors say some of the merchandise was stolen from a truck headed to a warehouse. Other items were stolen directly from stores such as Macy's, Sephora, and Ulta Beauty.
Retail thefts spread from stores in New York to Maryland. Thousands of stolen items were leaked overseas. Prosecutors say the alleged criminal group also has stores in the Dominican Republic, where they resell stolen goods at discounted prices.
Authorities believe stricter new laws and a $40 million fund targeting retail theft helped solve the case.
Retail theft hits everyone in the wallet, as it's estimated that the average American household pays an additional $500 a year to cover the cost of retail theft.
