Identity Theft Ring Busted in Multi-County Retail Crime Scheme

Los Angeles, CA – A sophisticated identity theft operation using stolen identities to fraudulently obtain store credit cards and purchase over $100,000 in merchandise has been dismantled.

From March to July 2023, the scheme targeted high-end retail stores and Harbor Freight across seven California counties, including Los Angeles and Orange. Three suspects now face a 34-count felony complaint, with charges like organized retail theft and identity theft affecting 13 victims.

The investigation, sparked by a Signet Jeweler’s fraud investigator, involved collaboration between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the California Department of Justice, Santa Maria Police Department, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, California Highway Patrol, and Westminster Police Department.

“These arrests highlight the power of multiagency teamwork,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations’ Christopher Bracken, emphasizing their commitment to combating such crimes.

Identity theft mill and organized retail scheme spanning 7 California counties dismantled by ICE Los Angeles with federal, state and local partners:

👉The scheme involved suspects applying for store credit cards using stolen identities and credit lines to purchase merchandise.… pic.twitter.com/DWcKJu4l47

— U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (@ICEgov) May 3, 2025