Uzbeks Charged in US$4.5 Million Cargo Theft Case in U.S.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  U.S. law enforcement authorities have charged a group of Uzbek-born suspects in connection with a large-scale cargo theft scheme that allegedly targeted commercial shipments across the northeastern United States, with losses estimated at about US$4.5 million, according to the New York Post.

Investigators allege that the scheme operated across several states between October 2025 and April 2026. Prosecutors accuse the defendants of organizing a series of thefts involving high-value goods, including food products, industrial materials and tobacco products.

According to court documents, the stolen cargo included lamb valued at about US$165,000, copper worth US$266,000, beef valued at US$295,000, cheese worth US$432,000 and cigarettes with an estimated value of about US$3.3 million.

Prosecutors allege that members of the group obtained logistics information related to freight shipments, created fraudulent documentation and impersonated legitimate transport operators. The scheme allegedly allowed them to collect cargo from warehouses and distribution terminals without the use of force or weapons.

Investigators say the stolen goods were subsequently transported to New York City, where they were sold through illegal distribution channels. During searches of storage facilities in the Bronx, authorities recovered and seized part of the stolen merchandise.

The prosecution's evidence reportedly includes electronic communications, shipping records and photographs that investigators say demonstrate coordination among the alleged participants.

Several defendants have pleaded not guilty. Some have been released under court supervision pending trial, while the alleged organizer remains in custody. A court hearing on his request for bail is expected to take place in the coming weeks.

The investigation remains ongoing.