Feds charge driver in alleged $12M cargo theft scheme built on hijacked carrier identities
At least 24 shipments vanished after drivers collected merchandise from distribution centers. Authorities also uncovered fraudulent licenses, altered identities and ransom demands. The post Feds charge driver in alleged $12M cargo theft scheme built on hijacked carrier identities appeared first on FreightWaves .
Federal prosecutors have charged Nursulton Khaydarov, a 33-year-old citizen of Uzbekistan and lawful permanent resident of the United States, in a massive cargo theft scheme estimated to have cost over $12 million in retail value. According to investigators, Khaydarov participated in a conspiracy targeting interstate shipments from California and other locations between September 2025 and May 2026.
The group allegedly assumed control of established trucking companies by purchasing them or otherwise taking over their operations. They then used the stolen identities to secure legitimate freight contracts, impersonating previous owners to negotiate transportation agreements with freight brokers. Drivers were then tasked with collecting shipments from distribution facilities, but the cargo never reached its intended destinations.
Prosecutors accused Khaydarov of participating in the operation, which involved multiple motor carriers and the theft of various commercial freight categories, including hard drives, stereo equipment, clothing, electronics, computer equipment, food items, and nicotine products. The indictment also describes efforts to conceal the scheme by switching tractor license plates, using burner phones with encrypted messaging applications, and providing false explanations about delayed or missing freight. Khaydarov pleaded not guilty during an appearance in federal court in Bridgeport, Connecticut.
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