Florida Cargo Theft Ring Busted, Faces 300 Years in Prison

Six individuals charged in the $7.8 million theft case that targeted retail, electronics, and other high-value goods

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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The state of Florida has filed charges against a group of six individuals for their alleged involvement in a major cargo theft ring that stole an estimated $7.8 million worth of goods, including retail merchandise, consumer electronics, copper wire, and other high-value items. The thefts occurred across the Orlando area and beyond between May 2023 and March 2025, with the stolen property then transported to South Florida to be sold. The defendants now face a combined maximum penalty of 300 years in the Florida Department of Corrections.

Why it matters

Cargo theft is a significant problem that impacts the supply chain and results in major financial losses for businesses. This case highlights the coordinated efforts of law enforcement to dismantle organized criminal operations targeting commercial vehicles and cargo shipments, which is crucial for protecting the integrity of the transportation and logistics industry.

The details

The investigation began in May 2023 after a series of thefts involving unattended commercial semi-trailers loaded with high-value cargo were reported throughout the Orlando area and beyond. The thefts included shipments of retail merchandise, consumer electronics, copper wire, HVAC equipment, cooking oil and food products, energy drinks, wine and spirits, and other alcoholic beverages. Investigators determined the defendants were part of a major theft organization (MTO) that targeted parked semi-trailers in commercial areas, parking lots, and distribution corridors. After stealing the vehicles and cargo, members of the MTO would search for and disable GPS tracking devices to evade law enforcement, then transport the stolen property to South Florida, where it was sold to co-conspirators involved in the resale of stolen goods.

  • The investigation began in May 2023 after a series of thefts were reported.
  • The thefts occurred between May 2023 and March 2025.

The players

Alayn Espinosa Lopez

One of the six individuals charged in the case.

Yerrison Perez

One of the six individuals charged in the case.

Yasser Mederos Garcia

One of the six individuals charged in the case.

Alexis Suarez Hernandez

One of the six individuals charged in the case.

Alejandro Valdes

One of the six individuals charged in the case.

Arley Osmany Hernandez Relova

One of the six individuals charged in the case.

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What they’re saying

“This organized criminal operation targeted Florida’s supply chain and caused nearly $7.8 million in losses across our state. Thanks to the coordination between the Florida Highway Patrol, the Orlando Police Department, and our Office of Statewide Prosecution, this group was identified and dismantled. Now, they’ll answer for their crimes in court.”

— James Uthmeier, Florida Attorney General (overdriveonline.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the defendants to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the significant financial and operational impact that organized cargo theft can have on businesses and the supply chain. It underscores the importance of strong law enforcement coordination and prosecution to disrupt these criminal networks and hold perpetrators accountable.