New York Man Accused of Stealing Cargo Bound for Maine and Beyond

Romoy Forbes allegedly conspired to steal over $800,000 worth of goods, including beer, seafood, and cologne

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:18pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a padlock, its metal surface reflecting harsh light, against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the vulnerability of supply chains to theft.A recent wave of cargo thefts exposes the fragility of supply chains and the need for tighter security measures.Portland Today

Romoy Forbes, a 31-year-old New York resident, has been indicted on charges of interstate transportation of stolen goods and conspiracy. Authorities allege that Forbes and his co-conspirators stole over $800,000 worth of cargo, including beer destined for Portland, Maine, nearly 34,000 pounds of frozen snow crab from a Massachusetts warehouse, and $430,000 worth of cologne bound for Los Angeles.

Why it matters

Cargo theft is a major problem that costs businesses billions of dollars each year. This case highlights the sophisticated methods used by thieves to target valuable shipments, often posing as legitimate trucking companies to intercept and divert the goods. The impact on the affected businesses and supply chains can be significant.

The details

According to the indictment, in early June 2025, Forbes allegedly obtained a shipment of beer worth $35,000 from a New Jersey brewery that was supposed to be delivered to a customer in Portland, Maine. Instead, Forbes brought the beer to Long Island, New York, to sell to someone else. In mid-July of the same year, Forbes allegedly stole nearly 34,000 pounds of frozen snow crab worth $325,000 from a warehouse in Massachusetts that was supposed to be shipped to Florida by a Maine company. Forbes also conspired to steal $430,000 worth of cologne in New York that was bound for Los Angeles, and blueberries of an undisclosed value from a New Jersey warehouse that were supposed to be shipped to Illinois.

  • In early June 2025, Forbes allegedly obtained a shipment of beer worth $35,000.
  • In mid-July 2025, Forbes allegedly stole nearly 34,000 pounds of frozen snow crab worth $325,000.

The players

Romoy Forbes

A 31-year-old New York resident who has been indicted on charges of interstate transportation of stolen goods and conspiracy.

Leah Foley

The U.S. attorney for the District of Massachusetts who announced the indictment against Forbes.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Cargo theft is a major problem that costs businesses billions of dollars each year. This case highlights the sophisticated methods used by thieves to target valuable shipments, often posing as legitimate trucking companies to intercept and divert the goods.”

— Leah Foley, U.S. Attorney

What’s next

Forbes faces a charge of interstate transportation of stolen goods and a charge of conspiracy, both of which come with fines of up to $250,000. The former charge can result in up to 10 years in prison, while the latter can result in up to 5 years.

The takeaway

This case underscores the need for businesses and law enforcement to remain vigilant against sophisticated cargo theft operations that can have a significant impact on supply chains and the bottom line. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between local, state, and federal authorities to combat these types of crimes.