Five suspects have been arrested following a major cargo theft investigation in Southern California that led to the recovery of more than $5 million in stolen property.
On Feb. 18, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), along with multiple partner agencies, executed search warrants at three locations in Corona, Compton and Wilmington. The investigation centered on a series of cargo and container chassis thefts impacting commercial supply chains.
During the coordinated operation, authorities impounded:
84 stolen container chassis
11 tractors
25 vehicles
Six all-terrain vehicles
Two heavy-duty forklifts believed to be linked to fraudulent vehicle identification numbers
Investigators also seized $301,604 in U.S. currency, three handguns and several digital devices. Photos released by police showed a collection of luxury and high-performance vehicles recovered during the raid.
The following individuals were arrested and booked at the 77th Jail on grand theft charges:
Jose Del Toro Sr., 43, of Corona
Maria Ramos, 42, of Corona
Malissa Del Toro, 25, of Corona
Jose Del Toro Jr., 23, of Corona
Yairet Jimenez, 23, of Corona
Officials said the investigation remains ongoing and additional arrests are expected.
In a statement, LAPD emphasized the importance of interagency cooperation in tackling organized cargo theft and protecting commercial supply chains. Agencies assisting in the case included the Los Angeles Port Police, the California Department of Justice Tax Recovery in the Underground Economy Program (TRUE), and the California Department of Motor Vehicles Investigations Division.
