Six suspects involved in an organized theft ring responsible for 32 cargo theft incidents and one vessel theft incident have been arrested, according to Florida’s Attorney General, James Uthmeier.

The thefts occurred across Orange, Broward, Polk, Osceola, St. Lucie, and Volusia counties, resulting in an estimated loss of nearly $7.8 million.

“This organized criminal operation targeted Florida’s supply chain and caused nearly $7.8 million in losses across our state,” said Attorney General James Uthmeier. “Thanks to the coordination between the Florida Highway Patrol, the Orlando Police Department, and our Office of Statewide Prosecution, this group was identified and dismantled. Now, they’ll answer for their crimes in court.”

The investigation began in May 2023 after a series of thefts involving unattended commercial semi-trailers loaded with high-value cargo were reported throughout the Orlando area and beyond.

Retail merchandise, consumer electronics, copper wire, HVAC equipment, cooking oil and food products, energy drinks, wine and spirits, and other alcoholic beverages were targeted.

Investigators determined the defendants were part of a Major Theft Organization (MTO) that targeted parked semi-trailers in commercial areas, parking lots, and distribution corridors.

After stealing the vehicles and cargo, members of the MTO would search for and disable GPS tracking devices to evade law enforcement, then transport the stolen property to South Florida, where it was sold to co-conspirators involved in the resale of stolen goods.

The case was investigated by the Florida Highway Patrol, the Orlando Police Department, and the Office of Statewide Prosecution.

The defendants face a combined maximum penalty of 300 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.