by Los Angeles County, California — A months-long investigation into a suspected cargo theft operation culminated Wednesday with five arrests and the seizure of what police describe as more than $5 million in stolen property, including supercars, heavy equipment and stacks of cash.
The takedown was led by the Los Angeles Police Department and carried out in Corona, where authorities say the alleged ring was operating.
Massive Haul Seized in Coordinated Raids
Investigators say the suspects were part of a long-running scheme targeting cargo shipments and container chassis — the wheeled frames used to transport shipping containers for big-rig trucks.
During coordinated search warrants executed Wednesday, officers reportedly uncovered an extensive cache of stolen equipment and assets.
Police said they seized:
- 84 stolen container chassis
- 11 tractor trucks
- 25 vehicles
- Six all-terrain vehicles
- Two heavy-duty forklifts
- More than $300,000 in cash
- Three firearms
- Multiple digital devices
Authorities also allege that some of the equipment was linked to fraudulent vehicle identification numbers (VINs).
“Through this collaborative enforcement effort, the total estimated value of recovered property exceeds $5 million,” LAPD officials said in a statement.
Luxury Vehicles Among the Seized Items
Photos released by law enforcement show an array of high-end sports cars and luxury vehicles lined up following the raids — underscoring what investigators believe was a lavish lifestyle fueled by stolen goods.
Officials did not detail the makes and models of the seized supercars but described the collection as substantial.
Multi-Agency Task Force Effort
The case was spearheaded by the LAPD’s Commercial Crimes Division Cargo Theft Task Force in partnership with:
- Los Angeles Port Police
- California Department of Justice Tax Recovery in the Underground Economy Program (TRUE)
- California Department of Motor Vehicles Investigations Division
Read Also: Austin Court Declares 4 Wrongly Accused Men Innocent in 1991 Slayings
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing and that additional arrests are possible.
Five Arrested, Facing Felony Charges
Police identified the five individuals arrested as:
- 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
Each suspect faces felony grand theft charges.
All five were released after their arrests and are scheduled to appear in court next month.
Investigation Continues
Law enforcement officials emphasized that cargo theft remains a significant financial threat to supply chains and businesses throughout California and beyond.
“This investigation is ongoing and further arrests are expected,” police said.
Authorities are continuing to analyze seized digital devices and financial records as they work to determine the full scope of the alleged operation.
What are your thoughts on cargo theft and organized retail crime in major port cities? Share respectfully in the comments below.
