Cops in Los Angeles on Wednesday arrested five people in Corona on shocking charges of operating a multi-million dollar cargo theft ring.
The LAPD said the suspects were collared in a long-running investigation that focused on a series of thefts targeting cargo and container chassis, which carry shipping containers for big-rig trucks.
Cops, along with three other agencies executed search warrants on the suspects Wednesday and discovered an eye-popping amount of allegedly stolen loot.
In all, cops seized some $5 million worth of ill-gotten schwag, police said.
Officers impounded 84 stolen container chassis, 11 tractors, 25 vehicles, six all-terrain vehicles and two heavy-duty forklifts believed to be associated with fraudulent vehicle identification numbers, according to the LAPD.
Cops also confiscated more than $300,000 in cash, three guns and multiple digital devices, cops said.
An enviable array of luxury vehicles and sports cars that were seized by cops was displayed in a set of photos of the bust shared by law enforcement with reporters.
The LAPD’s Commercial Crimes Division Cargo Theft Task Force worked with the Los Angeles Port Police, California Department of Justice Tax Recovery in the Underground Economy Program (TRUE) and the California Department of Motor Vehicles Investigations Division on the investigation.
“Through this collaborative enforcement effort, the total estimated value of recovered property exceeds $5 million,” said LAPD officials in a statement. “This investigation is ongoing and further arrests are expected.”
The five individuals arrested were released by authorities and face court dates next month.
They each face felony charges of grand theft.
The LAPD identified these individuals as the people arrested:
- Jose Del Toro Sr., 43, of Corona
- Maria Ramos, 42, of Corona
- Malissa Del Toro, 25, of Corona
- Jose Del Toro Jr., 23, of Corona
- Yairet Jimenez, 23, of Corona
Attorneys representing the accused could not be reached.
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