On Tuesday, Department of Justice officials charged members and associates of an Armenian organized crime ring with stealing over $83 million in cargo from Amazon. The scheme reportedly began in 2021 and involved at least four individuals posing as legitimate truck drivers to divert truckloads of merchandise, including smart TVs, kitchen appliances, and other consumer goods intended for Amazon warehouses. The DOJ’s complaint highlights a significant issue with cargo theft, which Amazon has been increasingly combating.
The criminals operated through four transport carriers—AK Transportation, NBA Holdings, Belman Transport, and Markos Transportation—contracted via Amazon Relay, an application allowing truckers to obtain freight routes. Instead of delivering the goods, the defendants diverted from their routes, stealing portions of the cargo for resale or personal use. In some instances, these “self-styled carriers” completed their deliveries late, indicating diversion of the cargo.
Experts estimate annual cargo theft-related losses across the industry to be around $1 billion. Amazon has faced scrutiny due to the prevalence of stolen goods on its platform, prompting the suspension of numerous third-party sellers accused of dealing in stolen merchandise. Many of these sellers claim they were unaware of their involvement in such operations.
In cooperation with DOJ officials, Amazon provided information about the stolen items and the fraudulent accounts on its marketplace. The DOJ has linked the defendants to various serious crimes beyond cargo theft, including attempted murder and illegal firearm possession. Several of the 13 defendants are set for appearances in court, as law enforcement efforts continue to dismantle these organized retail crime networks in the U.S. and globally. Amazon maintains a strict stance against such crimes, emphasizing its commitment to preventing and addressing organized retail crime.
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