National cargo theft blitz leads to arrests, $635K in recovered freight
Thirty stolen transformers worth about $600,000 were among the recoveries during a nationwide operation targeting cargo theft networks. The post National cargo theft blitz leads to arrests, $635K in recovered freight appeared first on FreightWaves .
The National Supply Chain Blitz, a 24-hour operation led by the Cook County Sheriff's Police, targeted cargo theft networks across the United States on September 23-24. This first-ever coordinated effort involved federal, state, and local authorities, as well as railroad police and private security organizations. Partners included the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Illinois State Police, Chicago Police Department, and various railroad companies.
Industry groups participated as well, such as CargoNet, TAPA, Overhaul, LPRC, Class8, and 3SI Security Systems.
The operation resulted in the recovery of approximately $635,000 in stolen cargo and led to numerous arrests. Thirty transformers, valued at around $600,000, were recovered on September 23 in Lawrence, Massachusetts. The stolen equipment had been transported using a fraudulent bill of lading, with an individual posing as a legitimate company. The shipment had moved through several cross-dock facilities before being discovered.
According to Commander Michael Ware, the intelligence-sharing among jurisdictions is crucial, as "criminal networks don't respect jurisdictional lines." Ware founded the Illinois Cargo Theft Coalition to connect investigators, prosecutors, railroad police, and supply chain security professionals to address these crimes that often cross jurisdictional boundaries.
The operation utilized surveillance at rail yards, highways, and other freight corridors, employing resources like license plate readers, cameras, and tracking technology.
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