LA County Sheriff’s Department recovers $4 million in stolen goods during major cargo theft bust in Vernon

VERNON, Calif. () — The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department announced a major cargo theft bust after serving a search warrant in Vernon that led to the recovery of stolen merchandise valued at about $4 million.

Investigators said the suspect was found in possession of a wide range of goods, including TVs, shoes, printers, nicotine pouches and skin care products.

Sgt. David Pantoja of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said the person arrested was not believed to be the mastermind behind the operation.

“The individual we arrested was arrested for stolen property. He is not the actual individual who orchestrated this theft. This individual is lower on the totem pole if you will,” Pantoja said.

Pantoja, who works with the department’s Cargo Criminal Apprehension Team, also known as Cargo CATS, said cargo theft has grown rapidly and is no longer limited to certain times of year.

“Roughly from this year, from quarter 1 to quarter 2, we’ve seen a 1,000% increase. Before we used to see cargo theft increase around the holidays, but recently it’s now happening all year around,” he said.

According to Pantoja, many of the thefts rely on digital intrusions rather than traditional break-ins. He said criminals often gain access to company email systems and obtain shipping documents.

“Most of these thefts are being committed by someone hacking someone’s email systems, and they’re obtaining what we call BOLs, bill of ladings, and they’re providing them to these criminals who go to these warehouse and distribution centers, and picking up whatever said load,” Pantoja said. “So when they’re arriving at the location they’re providing paperwork that is genuine paperwork, but unbeknownst to these companies, the system had been hacked.”

Pantoja said the problem is particularly acute in Southern California, citing the region’s proximity to major ports, as well as the prevalence of railroads, freeways and warehouses. He also pointed to what he described as insufficient consequences for those who are caught.

“There’s no repercussions. These criminals are out committing cargo thefts, and making a lot of money. And they’re out before we’re done with our reports,” Pantoja said.