Feds bust shoplifting ring they say pilfered $20 million from U.S. clothing retailers

[TexasTowelie]

U.S. authorities announced Wednesday they broke up a San Diego-based shoplifting ring that stole more than $20 million in goods from popular clothing stores across the country and sold the stolen merchandise in Mexico.

Stores targeted included Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic and Victoria's Secret at malls from Schaumburg, Ill., to Las Vegas and San Diego, according to an indictment that was made public.

Federal officials charged 22 people, including three already in custody and 12 others arrested Wednesday in the San Diego area. U.S. and Mexican officials are searching for seven others.

The ring operated since at least 2005, according to investigators. Its U.S. members smuggled in acquaintances from Mexico who had previously been deported to help steal, said Dave Shaw of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations.

Read more: http://www.mcall.com/news/nationworld/ct-clothing-shoplifting-ring-busted-20170906-story.html

[BigmanPigman]

1. Anyone who ever worked in retail would not be surprised by this.

When I worked at Macy's people stole comforters with no problem. They are good at getting people who work at the store to help them steal all sorts of things easily. And unless you actually catch them in the act and follow them outside of the store they can not arrest you.

[Warren DeMontague]

2. True. People will steal just about anything that isn't nailed down, and some stuff that is.

After a while you start to get a rather jaded outlook on your fellow humans.

Working in retail long enough can turn the most selfless, kind and loving soul into a humanity-loathing misanthrope.

[nitpicker]

3. Link to the DoJ PR

https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdca/pr/twenty-two-indicted-20-million-theft-ring-high-end-shopping-malls

[haveahart]

4. Damn. We had a ring of Russian jewelry thieves busted here in DC metro area two years ago.

Organized crime exists where there is plenty. Gated communities in Maryland Potomac area were hit hard.