Massive Retail Theft Ring Busted After Nearly a Decade of Operation

Law enforcement authorities in California have successfully dismantled a sophisticated retail theft operation that spanned 21 counties and resulted in the theft of approximately $8 million worth of beauty products.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) has announced the arrest of an individual believed to be the mastermind behind this statewide crime ring. The operation, which involved thefts from Ulta Beauty stores and other retail outlets, was brought to an end after months of intensive investigation.

The alleged ringleader reportedly recruited and paid a team of at least seven individuals to carry out the thefts, with the stolen products then being sold at heavily discounted prices through an Amazon storefront.

This multimillion-dollar scheme, according to authorities, had been ongoing for nearly a decade, marking it as one of the largest and longest-running retail theft operations in the state.

The thefts took place across a wide range of counties, including Alameda, Placer, Kern, Contra Costa, Orange, Los Angeles, Santa Clara, San Diego, Sacramento, and several others, as detailed by the CHP.

Multiple law enforcement agencies, including the California Department of Justice, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, collaborated in the investigation, along with the assistance of loss prevention teams from the targeted stores.

The operation came to light following over 230 reported theft incidents at Ulta stores in Southern California, prompting federal investigators to enlist the CHP Organized Retail Crime Task Force in August 2023.

In December, simultaneous search warrants were executed at various locations across Southern California, leading to the arrest of multiple suspects involved in the criminal operation.

The California Department of Justice has filed a total of 140 felony counts related to the operation, including charges of felony grand theft, organized retail theft, conspiracy, and receipt of stolen property.

During a news conference held in San Diego, California Attorney General Rob Bonta disclosed that nine individuals, including three illegal resellers known as “fences” and six alleged thieves, have been charged. The criminal activities also extended to the East Coast.

CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between law enforcement agencies and retailers in dismantling the retail theft ring. He highlighted the increased efficiency and effectiveness achieved through joint efforts in combating organized retail crime.

The CHP Organized Retail Crime Task Force, established in 2019, has played a pivotal role in addressing the surge of retail thefts, smash-and-grab burglaries, and widespread shoplifting across the state. Since its inception, the task force has conducted over 2,300 investigations, resulting in the apprehension of more than 2,200 suspects and the recovery of stolen goods valued at over $41 million.

Individuals with information regarding retail theft are encouraged to report it directly through the CHP website. In the event of witnessing a retail crime in progress, it is advised to refrain from intervening and instead contact emergency services by dialing 911.