A shipment of live lobsters, valued at nearly $400,000 and scheduled to arrive at Costco in late 2025, disappeared en route. All indications point to organized crime being responsible for the theft. 🦞
What seemed like a normal shipment from Massachusetts to Costco stores in Illinois and Minnesota turned into a story worthy crime drama. The truck left… but never arrived. No trace of the cargo, no delivery, no explanation, just the fact that it had simply vanished.
According to the logistics company responsible for the transport, the theft was so clean that everything indicates that the thieves posed as legitimate carriers, a tactic that is becoming increasingly common in the U.S. “It’s a huge problem nationwide,” they said, explaining that such losses affect the entire operation, from employee bonuses to the final price consumers pay, it’s terrible.
The FBI is already investigating, along with federal and local authorities in Chicago and Minneapolis, though for now, there are no suspects or arrests. Reports indicate they are following leads to catch the ringleader. 🕵️
This “seafood heist” is not an isolated incident. It’s part of a growing wave of cargo thefts that cost the U.S. economy between $15 and $35 billion a year. That’s why the Department of Homeland Security launched “Operation Boiling Point,” focusing on dismantling organized gangs that steal everything from electronics and medicines… to seafood. 🦐
These criminal networks use fake documents, burner phones, and cloned credentials to infiltrate the supply chain and make merchandise disappear in transit. Some are even linked to other crimes such as drug trafficking and counterfeiting.
While the search for the missing lobsters continues, companies and retailers warn that without greater security and collaboration, these thefts will continue to occur… and yes, today it was locusts, tomorrow it could be something that affects your wallet. So, alert the authorities if you see anything suspicious. 🗣️👮
