California police investigate $70K beer cargo theft after fraudulent pickups
California police are investigating two cargo thefts totaling about $70,000 from an Anheuser-Busch distribution center. The incidents occurred Aug. 17 at 4545 Brooks Street in Montclair, California. One shipment headed for Tucson, Arizona, never reached its destination after pickup. A later pickup involved Anheuser-Busch and Pabst Blue Ribbon products.
Montclair Police Department logged the earlier case as CR 26-3601. It began at approximately 10 a.m., according to the department. The Tucson-bound shipment carried an estimated value of $45,000. The cargo left for delivery but never arrived.
Fraudulent documents arranged second pickup
About one hour later, officers received a second report involving the same distribution center. Police logged that incident as CR 26-3562. The pickup involved about $25,000 in Anheuser-Busch and Pabst Blue Ribbon products. A purported subcontracting company used fraudulent documentation to arrange the transaction.
The department reported discrepancies involving information from the trucking company, driver and vehicles. Investigators also identified similarities between both occurrences. Detectives are examining whether one fraudulent cargo-theft operation committed both crimes. Police have not identified any suspects or announced arrests.
Investigation remains active
The combined reported value for both missing shipments totals approximately $70,000. Montclair Police Department said the investigation remains active and ongoing. The department told FreightWaves officers are at the distribution center now. Officer Dominguez told investigators, “The only thing the two thefts have in common is the same broker arranged these pickups.” The officer also stated, “The same broker tried to send in a truck last week and was rejected.” Police encouraged anyone with information about the incidents to contact the department. The Montclair Police Department can be reached at 909-621-4771.
Police did not release details about the subcontracted freight broker. The department also did not identify the driver or trucking company. Investigators have not disclosed whether either shipment has been recovered. FreightWaves will update this article when new information becomes available.
Why It Matters
Fraudulent pickup documents can send valuable freight away from a facility before anyone recognizes the problem. Transportation professionals need clear processes for confirming pickup information before cargo leaves control.
CFCO perspective
In my opinion, FreightWaves Certified Fraud Compliance Officer training can help teams avoid scams like this. Training gives employees a repeatable process before they release a shipment. Verification should confirm more than documents alone. Teams must know who arrives for freight and whether that person matches the planned pickup.
Click here for more articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Phil Brink.
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