$2M cargo theft ring busted: how thieves bought real truck firms
A federal jury in Los Angeles has convicted two California men for their roles in a sophisticated cargo theft operation that exploited legitimate trucking companies to steal millions in merchandise across the United States. The scheme, active from March 2024 to June 2025, resulted in losses totaling at least $2 million in high-value goods.
Arshpreet Singh, 28, of Sacramento, and Vikramjeet Singh, 31, of Fontana, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit theft from interstate shipments. The jury also convicted Arshpreet Singh of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, while acquitting Vikramjeet Singh on that charge. Both men are scheduled for sentencing on January 20, 2027, with Arshpreet Singh facing a maximum of 20 years in federal prison and Vikramjeet Singh up to five years.
How the theft ring operated: cargo theft ring
The scheme relied on acquiring established trucking companies to secure legitimate shipping contracts. In March 2024, Arshpreet Singh purchased Z&F Transportation LLC, a Texas-based carrier, for about $22,000. Within weeks, co-conspirators used the company to collect a shipment of televisions in Fontana, California, which were supposed to be delivered to Florida but vanished instead.
The group repeated this tactic in May 2024 by acquiring Skyways Trucking LLC. Using this company, they stole laptops, televisions, solar panels, and other merchandise. Shipments were booked through freight brokers like Uber Freight, but the goods never reached their intended destinations. The stolen items included electronics, appliances, footwear, tires, and LED lights, with thefts occurring in Southern California cities such as Fontana, Long Beach, Compton, Chino, and Commerce, as well as Grand Prairie, Texas.
Investigation and legal consequences
The case was investigated by multiple agencies, including the FBI’s Inland Violent Crime Suppression Task Force and IRS Criminal Investigation. During a seven-day federal trial in Los Angeles, prosecutors presented evidence showing how the defendants used real trucking companies to avoid detection while systematically stealing freight.
U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang will determine the final sentences in 2027. While the maximum penalties are set by law, the actual prison terms may differ. The case highlights the growing trend of cargo theft rings exploiting legitimate business structures, prompting calls for stronger industry safeguards and closer collaboration with law enforcement.
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