According to Phil Brink, nearly $110.6 million in data center freight has been stolen since June 3 as criminals deploy an aggressive “bump-and-run” strategy targeting high-value shipments.
Theft targets security escorts
Scott Cornell, EVP and Crime and Theft Specialist at SPG Cargo & Logistics, confirmed that thieves deliberately struck security teams escorting two major technology loads before the drivers fled with the cargo.
Cornell serves as Chair of TAPA Americas and has spent more than 30 years investigating these crimes. He linked both successful thefts to failures during carrier verification processes on his Fraud Watch podcast.
We’ve seen a big concentration around the theft of high-tech loads… When you add all those up [the impact] is absolutely tremendous.” — Scott Cornell
The thief’s tactic relies on compromised drivers who do not stop for help when their escort vehicle collides with theirs. Legitimate operators would call 911 or reach safety instead of continuing the journey.
Rings build their own supply chains
Criminal networks now operate cross-docks and altered shipping documents to move stolen goods faster than older regional crews. They camouflage products by falsifying paper bills of lading into general electronics categories.
- $2 million: Individual case value range floor
- $38 million: Individual case value range ceiling
- $8 million: Reported single incident loss
- $14 million: Reported single incident loss
- $24 million: Reported single incident loss
Cornell estimated that six or seven out of every 10 stolen loads leave the United States through established international distribution channels, drastically reducing investigator response time.
Verification starts before pickup
To combat these losses, companies must verify driver identity, business control, equipment, location, and operating history before releasing freight. Security leaders should train frontline employees to recognize mismatched carriers rather than relying solely on automated systems.
Source: FreightWaves
Compiled from international media by the SCI.AI editorial team.
