In a sweeping enforcement action, the Los Angeles Police Department has recovered over $3.9 million in stolen goods, including $2.7 million worth of Bitcoin mining equipment, after dismantling a cargo theft ring believed to be linked to a South American criminal network.
The high-value items were discovered during a raid at a San Pedro warehouse, following a coordinated investigation led by the LAPD’s Cargo Theft Unit, with assistance from the Port Police, Union Pacific Police, and Airport Police. The operation culminated in the arrest of Oscar David Borrero-Manchola (41) and Yonaiker Rafael Martinez-Ramos (25)—identified by authorities as key operatives in the transnational ring.
According to law enforcement, the group had been targeting high-demand cargo shipments in the Los Angeles area. The recovered Bitcoin mining rigs were reportedly in transit to international buyers, underscoring the increasing appeal of cryptocurrency hardware to criminal enterprises due to its portability, high market value, and global resale potential.
$1.2M in Additional Goods Seized
The recovered Bitcoin mining equipment was part of a larger cache that included $1.2 million worth of consumer goods, such as electronics, apparel, beverages, and pet food, bringing the total value of the bust to $3.9 million. All items were found in cargo containers, with the crypto miners specifically marked for shipment to Hong Kong—further reinforcing the international dimension of the operation.
While the destinations of the other stolen goods remain undisclosed, authorities noted that the case is emblematic of a broader trend: sophisticated criminal networks are increasingly exploiting global shipping lanes and supply chain vulnerabilities to traffic stolen cargo.
“This case highlights the ongoing collaborative efforts among law enforcement agencies to combat cargo theft and protect the integrity of commercial transport operations,” the LAPD stated in an official release.
“The investigation remains ongoing, and additional arrests may follow.”
Rise in Crypto-Focused Cargo Theft Across the U.S.
The seizure marks the latest in a growing series of law enforcement actions targeting stolen crypto infrastructure. In July 2024, the LAPD apprehended a suspect in possession of $579,000 worth of Bitcoin miners, while Louisiana authorities seized 250 additional mining rigs in a separate raid.
As cryptocurrency adoption accelerates globally, Bitcoin mining hardware has become a prime target for organized crime—blending high-tech opportunity with the vulnerabilities of traditional freight and cargo networks.
Quick Facts
- LAPD recovered $2.7 million in stolen Bitcoin mining equipment, part of a $3.9 million total seizure.
- Two suspects with ties to a South American cargo theft ring were arrested.
- The Bitcoin miners were en route to Hong Kong, suggesting a global resale operation.
- The case reflects a national trend of increased cargo theft targeting cryptocurrency infrastructure.
