Briefly,
- In a recent theft ring bust, the LAPD seized Bitcoin mining equipment worth $2.7 Million.
- Among the items taken were Bitcoin miners and pet food.
- Two people linked to an organized crime group in South America were arrested.
Los Angeles Police Department Detectives recovered more than $3.9 million in stolen goods—including Bitcoin miners worth $2.7 million—after tracking a cargo theft ring to a San Pedro, CA warehouse.
The Los Angeles Police Department's Cargo Theft Unit detectives, working in conjunction with the Los Angeles Port Police, Union Pacific Police, and Airport Police, arrested 41-year-old Oscar David Borrero-Manchola and 25-year-old Yonaiker Rafael Martinez-Ramos, who the department called “prominent members” of a South American crime ring linked to cargo theft operation in the Los Angeles area.
Bitcoin miners are specialized computers that solve mathematical problems to validate Bitcoin transactions, and earn cryptocurrency in return.
LAPD has not responded to all comments made by the public. Decrypt.
The detectives found a total of $1.2 million in stolen goods, which included tequila and speakers as well as clothing, shoes body wash, food for pets, and other items. LAPD has not specified the destination of other stolen goods but did say that Bitcoin miners were found in cargo containers bound to Hong Kong.
In a press release, the LAPD stated that “this case underscores the collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies in combating cargo theft and protecting the integrity commercial transport operations.” The investigation continues, and there may be more arrests.
Bitcoin Miner Thefts
It is just the latest in an ongoing series of seizures of stolen Bitcoin-mining equipment by U.S. authorities.
The LAPD arrested Bryan Thola in July 2024 on suspicion that he had stolen Bitcoin mining equipment worth $579,000. In the same month, Baton Rouge Police Department confiscated 250 stolen Bitcoin miners after raiding a Louisiana warehouse abandoned.
