On Tuesday, U.S. Department of Justice officials announced charges against members of an Armenian organized crime ring accused of stealing over $83 million in cargo from Amazon. The alleged scheme, active since at least 2021, involved individuals posing as legitimate truck drivers to divert goods, including electronics and home appliances, originally destined for Amazon’s warehouses. This form of robbery, known as “cargo theft,” is reportedly a significant issue for Amazon, which has been increasing efforts to curtail fraudulent activities on its platform.
Experts estimate that cargo theft across the retail sector incurs losses of nearly $1 billion annually. The DOJ’s complaint details how the accused operated four transport companies—AK Transportation, NBA Holdings, Belman Transport, and Markos Transportation—utilizing Amazon Relay to secure contracted freight routes. Instead of following their assigned delivery paths, these individuals allegedly took portions of the cargo for resale or distribution to accomplices.
Evidence gathered by the DOJ included seized phones containing photos of warehouses stocked with stolen goods. Amazon has proactively collaborated with the DOJ, sharing data on the fraudulent activities and facilitating investigations. The company maintains a strict stance against organized retail crime (ORC) and emphasizes a commitment to tracking and reporting criminals.
Additionally, DOJ officials connected the defendants to a range of other serious crimes, such as attempted murder and illegal firearm possession. Several of the thirteen accused individuals are scheduled to appear in court in Los Angeles, while one is detained in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This case underscores the ongoing challenges posed by organized retail crime and the collaborative efforts needed to combat it.
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