The FBI is investigating the theft of a $400,000 shipment of live lobsters that disappeared while en route to Costco stores in Illinois and Minnesota.
According to FOX 32 Chicago, the shipment was picked up in Taunton, Massachusetts, but never reached its destination — sparking a federal investigation into what authorities are calling a significant commercial theft affecting multiple states. “It directly impacts businesses and contributes to higher prices for consumers,” said Dylan Rexing, CEO of Rexing Companies, which was overseeing the delivery.
Rexing explained that the loss not only affects his company’s operations but also employee bonuses and hiring plans, underscoring how damaging thefts like this can be for the seafood supply chain.
Seafood Shipment Vanishes After Pickup in Massachusetts
The stolen shipment was reportedly collected from a Massachusetts seafood distribution facility, but never arrived at its intended Costco locations across the Midwest. Authorities believe the theft may have occurred sometime after the cargo left Taunton.
The FBI and local law enforcement are working together to trace the route of the transport truck, review GPS data, and interview employees involved in the pickup process. Rexing told FOX 32 Chicago that this isn’t an isolated incident, revealing that a similar seafood theft occurred earlier this month involving another shipment from the same facility.
Seafood Industry Hit by Rising Cargo Thefts
Seafood has become an increasingly valuable target for cargo theft, particularly amid rising global food prices and supply chain disruptions.
Industry analysts note that fresh seafood shipments are among the most difficult and expensive products to insure due to their perishability and high value. A single refrigerated truckload can contain hundreds of thousands of dollars in product, making it a prime target for organized theft.
