URGENT UPDATE: A staggering theft of seafood in New England has left local businesses reeling. Just days ago, authorities reported the theft of $400,000 worth of lobster meat, along with 40,000 oysters and a significant amount of crabmeat, in multiple incidents across the region.
The first theft occurred on November 22, 2023, in Falmouth, Maine, where 14 cages filled with oysters were stolen from an aquaculture site in Casco Bay. According to the Maine Marine Patrol, the stolen oysters, many of which were fully grown and ready for sale, are valued at $20,000. “This is a devastating situation for a small businessman,” stated Marine Patrol Sgt. Matthew Sinclair.
The criminal activity escalated further in Taunton, Massachusetts, approximately 160 miles away. On December 2, 2023, a load of crab disappeared after leaving the Lineage Logistics warehouse. Just ten days later, on December 12, 2023, a fraudulent trucking company made off with lobster meat intended for Costco stores in Illinois and Minnesota. Dylan Rexing, CEO of Rexing Companies, revealed the audacity of the heist, stating, “The carrier we hired impersonated a real carrier. They had a spoofed email address and even created a fake certified driver’s license. It’s a very sophisticated crime.”
Authorities have yet to comment on the incidents, but Rexing confirmed that police informed him about the crab theft from the same warehouse. The surge in such cargo thefts has been alarming, with Rexing noting that they occur “every day, multiple times a day.”
Freight theft generally falls into two categories, according to Chris Burroughs, president and CEO of the Transportation Intermediaries Association. The lobster heist represents the first type, where criminals impersonate legitimate trucking companies. The second involves strategic theft, where phishing emails are used to compromise systems for financial gain without physically stealing products.
“This is a massive growing problem that needs to get addressed,” Burroughs emphasized. Stolen seafood, particularly lobster, poses a unique challenge due to its short shelf life, leading experts to believe it may have already reached local restaurants.
The impact of these thefts extends beyond the seafood industry. Rexing pointed out that such crimes ultimately affect consumers in various sectors. “Whether you eat seafood or not, they’re stealing other items. They’re stealing items to build your cars. They’re stealing items that go into computers,” he warned. “Ultimately, that cost gets thrown to the consumer.”
As investigations continue, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant. The seafood industry is facing a crisis, and the consequences of these thefts could ripple through the economy. More updates are expected as law enforcement intensifies their efforts to track down those responsible for these brazen thefts.
Stay tuned for the latest developments in this ongoing situation as authorities work to recover the stolen seafood and apprehend the criminals behind these incidents.
