A massive and highly coordinated retail theft ring has been taken down following a joint operation by the FBI, the NYPD, and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office.
Eight suspects are already facing accusations for allegedly arranging a complicated conspiracy to steal about $5 million in consumer goods, diverting critical shipments to the illegal market.
Officials believe the criminals hijacked the logistics process, intercepting big commercial shipments in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey by impersonating legitimate shipping providers.
Between October and April of last year, six large thefts were allegedly carried out, with the stolen cargo crossing state lines and being sold on the underground market in New York City.
The stolen commodities included a highly profitable combination of ordinary consumer products and raw materials, including $165,000 worth of lamb, $432,000 worth of cheese, $295,000 worth of cattle, over $266,000 worth of copper, and more than $3.3 million in cigarettes.
The individuals have been charged with conspiracy and many counts of grand larceny:
- Murodullo Khasanov
- Nodir Kobilov
- Shavkatbek Mamadjanov
- Rakhmiddin Abdullaev
- Aleksey Vorobyev
- Nizom Ismoilov
- Doston Mardoev
- Dilshod Nabiev
Cost to customers
While stealing commercial goods may appear to be a victimless crime, officials emphasized the operation’s clear economic impact on the public. According to Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, the victims of this systematic theft ring include small businesses as well as average shoppers.
Much of the stolen food was destined for major retail grocery stores, including Costco. Intercepting large shipments imposes financial burdens on consumers, according to authorities. Stolen products lead to increased costs,” officials explained after the bust. “When food orders go missing and shelves are empty, prices go up.”
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