06/11/26 -WEST TN MAINTENANCE COUNCIL MEETING

Today’s topic of discussion, on Cargo Theft was presented by Sergeant Jason Moore, who is a specialized investigator with the Memphis Police Department and was selected to serve on the FBI Cargo Theft Task Force.

Accompanying Sgt Moore was Special Agent Joseph Celotto with the U.S. Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

Sgt. Moore discussed the types of cargo theft currently occurring in and around the Memphis area and outlined several tactics being used by criminals. These tactics include deceiving drivers, gaining unauthorized access to company systems, and altering shipping documents to facilitate theft. He also shared preventative measures and best practices that brokers and drivers can implement as safeguards to help verify shipment information and reduce the risk of becoming victims of these scams.

Outlined below are several scenarios currently being utilized by individuals and organized cargo theft rings as they become increasingly centralized, coordinated, and efficient in their efforts to deceive unsuspecting drivers, brokers, carriers, and transportation companies.

Straight Cargo Theft: The physical hijacking or breaking into of vehicles, containers, or warehouses. This commonly happens when trucks are left unattended at roadside stops or parking lots.

Strategic Cargo Theft: The use of deception and fraud to trick logistics companies into handing over freight. This includes fictitious pickups, identity theft, and double-brokering scams where criminals impersonate legitimate carriers to steal loads.

Cyber Cargo Theft: The use of hacking or phishing to infiltrate a company's systems. Criminals access sensitive data to print fraudulent shipping documents and intercept legitimate cargo.

Pilferage: The alteration of shipping documents to steal small, unnoticeable amounts of goods off a truck during transit.

Cargo theft is a massive threat to the global and domestic supply chain causing billions of dollars in economic losses each year. Stolen items are often smuggled, repackaged, and sold illegally, sometimes funding broader illicit activities.

For more information, questions or assistance please see contact information for both Sgt Moore and Special Agent Celotto below:

Jason Moore

Office- 901-922-5215

jason.moore@memphistn.gov

Joseph Celotto

Office- 901-747-4300

jpcelotto@fbi.gov