The U.S. Attorney’s Office Western District of Washington has filed a complaint detailing the seizure of around 74,000 suspected stolen goods from a now-closed Burien storefront, an adjacent warehouse, and a home in Federal Way. According to the complaint, investigators conducted undercover operations, including controlled sales of products represented as stolen, at the storefront multiple times. Similar products were also purchased from online storefronts connected to two individuals in King County.

Reflecting Retail Crime in the Community

Steven Schrank, Deputy Special Agent-in-Charge with Homeland Security Investigations Pacific Northwest, stated that the case is indicative of the underlying retail crime affecting the community. Search warrants executed in December 2023 led to the seizure of over 74,000 items believed to be stolen from various retailers including Target, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Ulta, Best Buy, Vons, Rite Aid, and Petsmart. The seized merchandise ranged from healthcare products to beauty aids and tools.

These are not things that I would want my family purchasing unwittingly from an online marketplace, especially when you’re dealing with over-the-counter medications and health and beauty products, expressed Schrank.

Online Sales Operation

The merchandise, as per Schrank, was intended for sale through online accounts on platforms like eBay and Amazon. Documents revealed that one of the accounts made a staggering 74,291 sale transactions between January 1, 2022, and June 16, 2023, totaling approximately $2,425,049.10.

Shoplifters Cited in Gig Harbor Retail Theft Emphasis Patrols

In a separate but related incident, over 20 shoplifters were cited by Gig Harbor Police during retail theft emphasis patrols. The stolen items were not only allegedly taken from stores in Washington but were also shipped across the United States and internationally to countries including Norway, Mexico, Sweden, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Israel.

Mark Johnson, Vice President of Policy and Government Affairs for the Washington Retail Association, emphasized that such crimes are not opportunistic but are premeditated and organized. He described the complaint as sad but not surprising, highlighting the severity of organized retail crime rings impacting communities.

Urging Caution

Both Johnson and Schrank urged consumers to exercise caution when purchasing goods, especially online. Schrank noted that the investigation into this case is ongoing and encouraged anyone with information on organized criminal activity to report tips to 1-877-4-HSI-TIP.

Conclusion: Stay Informed and Vigilant

The cases in Burien and Gig Harbor shed light on the pervasive issue of organized retail crime, affecting not only local communities but also reaching across state and international borders. It underscores the importance of public awareness and vigilance in combating such crimes. Consumers are urged to be cautious, especially when purchasing goods online, and to report any suspicious activity to authorities.

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This article covers recent incidents of organized retail crime in Burien and Gig Harbor, Washington, highlighting the seizure of suspected stolen goods and the citation of multiple shoplifters. It emphasizes the need for public awareness and vigilance in combating organized crime activities.

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