LAPD Busts South American Cargo Theft Ring, Recovers $2.7 Million in Stolen Bitcoin Miners

The Los Angeles Police Department has uncovered a sophisticated cargo theft operation, seizing stolen goods valued at $3.9 million, including Bitcoin miners worth $2.7 million. The discovery, made at a warehouse in San Pedro, California, has led to the arrest of two individuals linked to a South American crime syndicate. This operation underscores the growing challenge of cargo theft and the collaborative efforts of law enforcement to protect global supply chains.

The investigation, spearheaded by the LAPD’s Cargo Theft Unit, involved coordination with the Los Angeles Port Police, Union Pacific Police, and Airport Police. Detectives arrested 41-year-old Oscar David Borrero-Manchola and 25-year-old Yonaiker Rafael Martinez-Ramos, identified as key figures in a South American theft ring operating in the Los Angeles area. The recovered goods, stored in cargo containers, included Bitcoin miners, which are specialized ASIC computers designed to validate transactions on the Bitcoin network, earning mining rewards. These Bitcoin mining machines were reportedly destined for Hong Kong, though details about the intended recipients remain undisclosed.

A Broader Haul and Ongoing Investigation

Beyond the Bitcoin miners, the seizure included $1.2 million worth of diverse stolen items, ranging from tequila and coffee to clothing, shoes, speakers, body wash, and pet food. The variety of goods highlights the scale and audacity of the theft ring’s operations. While the LAPD has not disclosed the final destinations of these additional items, the department emphasized the significance of the recovery in disrupting criminal networks targeting commercial transport.

The LAPD described the operation as a testament to the power of inter-agency collaboration in tackling cargo theft, a persistent issue affecting supply chains worldwide. The investigation remains active, with authorities anticipating further arrests as they unravel the full scope of the syndicate’s activities. This seizure adds to a growing list of recoveries by U.S. law enforcement agencies targeting stolen Bitcoin mining equipment, reflecting the increasing value and demand for such technology in the crypto market.