Massive Florida cargo theft ring involving $7.8M in stolen merch busted

www.nbcmiami.com, NBC6, February 12, 2026

Six suspects have been arrested in a massive cargo theft ring involving some $7.8 million worth of merchandise that was stolen across Florida, authorities said.

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier held a news conference Thursday to announce the arrest of the group that he said is responsible for at least 32 cargo theft incidents and a vessel theft in Broward, Orange, Osceola, Polk, St. Lucie and Volusia counties.

The investigation dates back to May of 2023 after a series of thefts of unattended commercial semi-trailers loaded with high-value cargo throughout the Orlando area and beyond.

The thefts included retail merchandise, consumer electronics, copper wire, HVAC equipment, cooking oil and food products, energy drinks, wine and spirits, and other alcoholic beverages.

Investigators found the suspects would steal vehicles and cargo, search for and disable GPS tracking devices and bring the stolen items to South Florida where it was sold to co-conspirators involved in the resale of stolen goods.

The Florida Highway Patrol's Cargo Theft Unit believes the group is responsible for the theft of 51 commercial vehicles and 28 cargo shipments between May of 2023 and March of 2025, authorities said.

Authorities believe the estimated loss is nearly $7.8 million

The six suspects - Alayn Espinosa Lopez, Yerrison Perez, Yasser Mederos Garcia, Alexis Suarez Hernandez, Alejandro Valdes, and Arley Osmany Hernandez Relova - face charges of grand theft and conspiracy to commit grand theft.

They face a combined maximum of 300 years in prison.

"This organized criminal operation targeted Florida’s supply chain and caused nearly $7.8 million in losses across our state," Uthmeier said in a statement. "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."

News article: https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/massive-florida-cargo-theft-ring-involving-7-8m-in-stolen-merch-busted/3765129/