Once again, the state of Florida has come down hard on organized crime. A multi-million dollar retail theft ring has just been busted in Miami-Dade, Florida with 14 individuals facing criminal charges.
Under the discretion of Attorney General Ashley Moody (R-FL), Florida has prided itself in taking down organized crime rings. Moody's administration has prioritized consumer protections in the Florida economy and does not go easy on organized crime rings like this one.
Over the Summer, Moody busted a cryptocurrency ring in Orlando. The FDLE and other law enforcement groups around the state of Florida have praised her for her unprecedented mobilization against financial crimes that are often overlooked.
Moody's "Operation On the Fence," is what brought down this crime ring in Miami-Dade. "It is well organized, it is profitable, it is criminal, this is the modern-day mafia and criminal organizations that we're taking down," Moody said.
Roughly 50 people across Florida were implicated in assisting the crimes happening. Around 20 different retailers were targeted by loosely organized individuals and the thefts resulted in loses upwards of $20 million in 2023 alone.
Moody said in regard to the ongoing case, "We have seized not only material from inside the homes where they were stealing it after these items was stolen, but we seized pallets that were waiting to go and be sold online, we seized merchandise that was already with Amazon waiting to be sold that was stolen."
The victims included Walgreens, CVS, Walmart, Publix, Winn Dixie, Fresco Y Mas, Navarro, Home Depot, Lowes, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Target, Sam Ash, Best Buy, Harbor Freight, The Fiddle Shop, Guitar Center, Golf Galaxy, Macy’s, BJ's, Costco, and various pool supply stores.
