News Summary
The LAPD has arrested Alejandro Aguilar-Espinoza and recovered around $1.46 million in stolen train cargo, including Nike shoes and electronics. This operation is part of an ongoing investigation into a series of cargo thefts in the region. The recent recovery highlights the growing trend of organized cargo thefts targeting BNSF trains in California and Arizona, costing the freight industry millions annually. Authorities are stepping up efforts to combat this crime wave, which has seen a significant rise in incidents over the past year.
Los Angeles – The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) has recovered approximately $1.46 million in stolen train cargo, including high-demand items such as Nike shoes, Milwaukee tools, and electronic equipment. This significant recovery comes as part of a broader investigation into a series of cargo thefts that have plagued railroad operations in the region.
On Monday, law enforcement executed a search warrant in the 4300 block of Verona Street in Los Angeles. This operation led to the arrest of Alejandro Aguilar-Espinoza, a 41-year-old man from Los Angeles, who was taken into custody without incident and charged with receiving stolen property. Following Aguilar-Espinoza’s arrest, detectives conducted further investigations across multiple residences associated with him, where they uncovered additional stolen cargo.
Aguilar-Espinoza’s arrest marks the second incident in recent weeks where LAPD has apprehended an individual linked to stolen train cargo. Just two weeks prior, Adeel Shams, the owner of CoolKicks, was arrested in connection with similar crimes.
The ongoing investigation has revealed connections to a troubling trend involving at least 10 heists targeting BNSF trains across California and Arizona since March. Collectively, these thefts have resulted in the loss of nearly $2 million worth of Nike sneakers, many of which include unreleased models. Thieves have been employing tactics such as boarding eastbound freight trains and cutting air brake hoses to stop them temporarily, facilitating their theft of valuable goods.
The estimated total value of stolen Nike sneakers from various thefts has reached approximately $2 million, with high-profile models like the Nigel Sylvester x Air Jordan 4s being particularly sought after. Thieves often scout for valuable merchandise along the rail lines and may receive assistance from accomplices in warehouses and trucking companies who provide tips about incoming shipments.
Worryingly, last year’s data revealed a 40% increase in railroad cargo thefts, with approximately 65,000 incidents reported nationwide. This surge in thefts has cost major rail companies over $100 million annually, factoring in both the stolen goods and the damages sustained to railcar operations.
Adding to the chaos was a separate incident recorded on January 13, 2025, where thieves managed to steal 1,985 pairs of unreleased Nike sneakers valued at over $440,000 from a freight train in Arizona. In connection with this heist, eleven individuals were charged, most of whom were Mexican nationals illegally residing in the United States.
Authorities have identified links between these railroad burglaries and the activities happening in nearby desert locales, such as Amboy, California. Investigators have noted the involvement of organized criminal groups, primarily comprised of Mexican nationals, in these thefts. To combat this issue, the FBI has shifted its focus towards cargo thefts occurring at major shipping hubs, marking these instances as part of a broader pattern of criminal activity impacting different transportation sectors.
Despite significant investments made by railroads in security measures, challenges remain due to the vast reach of the country’s rail networks. In response, rail operators have sought to enhance communication and partnership with local law enforcement agencies, even as they discourage direct confrontations with thieves.
On a national level, estimates suggest that cargo thefts from railroads, trucks, and ships account for losses ranging between $15 billion to $35 billion every year, revealing the extensive impact of these thefts on the freight and shipping industries.
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LAPD Dismantles Major Cargo Theft Operation in Los Angeles
Additional Resources
- KTLA
- CBS News
- NBC Los Angeles
- Los Angeles Times
- The Guardian
- Wikipedia: Cargo Theft
- Google Search: Train Cargo Theft
- Google Scholar: Freight Theft
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cargo Theft
- Google News: Latest Cargo Theft News
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LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER The LOS ANGELES STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELosAngeles.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, and beyond, specializing in "news you can use" with coverage of product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates, while delivering top reporting on high-value events like the Academy Awards, LA Auto Show, and Los Angeles Marathon, extending coverage to key organizations such as the Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Los Angeles Tourism & Convention Board, plus leading businesses in entertainment and technology like Warner Bros. and SpaceX, and as part of the broader HERE network including HEREAnaheim.com , HERECostaMesa.com , HEREHuntingtonBeach.com , and HERESantaAna.com , providing comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape. HERE Anaheim HERE Beverly Hills HERE Coronado HERE Costa Mesa HERE Hollywood HERE Huntington Beach HERE Long Beach HERE Los Angeles HERE Mission Viejo HERE San Diego HERE Santa Ana
