California authorities arrested several suspects in conjunction with a retail theft and fraud ring targeting the elderly and others in their more than $1 million scam, according to a press release issued this week by Santa Clara County.
The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office High Impact Team dismantled the organized retail theft and fraud enterprise responsible for trafficking in millions of dollars’ worth of stolen goods — and exploiting elderly victims across the country to do it.
The investigation began in June 2025, when detectives started tracking retail thefts. They uncovered a highly sophisticated criminal network operating across the Bay Area and beyond.
The suspects allegedly acquired the merchandise through a widespread gift card scam. Three of the suspects operated online marketplaces, shipping products to buyers across the country.
“This case is one of the most significant takedowns of organized retail crime we’ve seen in Santa Clara County,” said Sheriff Robert Jonsen. “It shows what’s possible when skilled investigators, strong partnerships, and targeted resources come together to protect our communities.”
On Tuesday, October 21, 2025, search warrants were executed at homes, storage units, and a warehouse in San Jose and Campbell. The locations were allegedly used as storage, drop-off, and distribution centers for the stolen merchandise.
Investigators recovered more than a dozen box truckloads of The Home Depot merchandise at one location.
The estimated value of the fraudulently obtained items exceeds $1 million, though a full inventory is ongoing, authorities said.
Additionally, nearly 100 totes filled with bottles of wine were recovered and returned to Target, many of which were believed to have been stolen.
Retail theft wasn’t the only crime being committed, according to investigators.
Detectives uncovered a nationwide fraud scheme targeting hundreds of victims – many elderly – through online and phone scams.
Victims were coerced into purchasing high-value gift cards, often from The Home Depot and Lowe’s, and providing the card information to scammers. The gift cards were then used by suspects to purchase thousands of dollars in merchandise daily.
Investigators estimate that more than $10,000 in fraudulent gift card purchases occurred each day at Bay Area retail locations for several months.
“Gift card fraud is a major driver of organized retail crime, and our work to stop it goes far beyond protecting our bottom line,” said Scott Glenn, vice president of Asset Protection at The Home Depot. “We’re proud to play a role in the nationwide effort to combat organized retail crime and grateful for the partnership and dedication of Santa Clara County law enforcement in investigating these cases and holding offenders accountable.”
Suspects were booked on charges of organized retail theft, financial elder abuse, theft by false pretenses, possession of stolen property, and conspiracy.
Retailers, including The Home Depot, Target, Lowe’s, and Sprouts, are working to inventory the recovered property, with much of it expected to be returned.
This marks the largest recovery of stolen goods since the task force was formed in 2024, authorities said.
“This is exactly why the High Impact Team exists,” Sheriff Jonsen said. “With the support of state grant funding, we’re not just recovering stolen goods — we’re protecting the vulnerable and restoring safety in our communities.”
The coordinated operation was made possible through a State of California grant aimed at combating organized retail theft. The High Impact Team includes members of the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with allied agencies and retail partners.
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Busted California Retail Theft and Fraud Ring Targeted the Elderly in $1M+ Scam
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