Payam Javan: Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office Dismantles Massive Organized Retail Theft and Elder Fraud Ring
SANTA CLARA, CA — The Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office today announced the successful dismantling of a sprawling and sophisticated organized retail theft and fraud enterprise. The multi-state operation was responsible for trafficking millions of dollars’ worth of stolen merchandise and exploiting hundreds of elderly and vulnerable victims across the country.
The investigation, led by the Sheriff’s High Impact Team (HIT), began in June 2025 following the tracking of organized retail thefts. Detectives quickly uncovered a complex criminal network operating throughout the Bay Area and extending beyond.
The criminal organization utilized a dual approach to illicitly gain profits:
1. Organized Retail Theft and Trafficking: The enterprise systematically stole high-value merchandise from major retailers including The Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Target. A search warrant executed at a suspect’s residence in South San Jose uncovered a massive stockpile of stolen goods, with every room, hallway, and closet packed floor-to-ceiling with merchandise. Investigators estimate the recovered items from this single location exceeded $1 million in value. Suspects were found to be operating online marketplaces to sell and ship the stolen products nationwide.
2. Nationwide Elder Fraud Scheme: The network simultaneously ran a widespread fraud scheme targeting hundreds of vulnerable victims, many of them elderly. Victims were coerced through online and phone scams into purchasing high-value gift cards, often from The Home Depot and Lowe’s, and then providing the card information to the scammers. These gift cards were then allegedly used by the suspects and their associates to purchase thousands of dollars in merchandise daily at Bay Area retail locations. Investigators estimate that more than $10,000 in fraudulent gift card purchases occurred each day over several months.
“This case is one of the most significant takedowns of organized retail crime we’ve seen in Santa Clara County,” stated Sheriff Robert Jonsen. “This enterprise not only stole millions from local businesses but also preyed viciously on our most vulnerable population—our seniors. This operation sends a clear message that we will utilize every resource to dismantle these complex criminal networks.”
Six suspects—five from Santa Clara County and one from Los Angeles County—were arrested and booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail. They face numerous felony charges, including Organized Retail Theft, Financial Elder Abuse, Theft by False Pretenses, Possession of Stolen Property, and Conspiracy.
The Sheriff’s Office believes additional victims may be connected to this scheme and urges anyone with information to contact the High Impact Team. This operation was made possible through a State of California grant aimed at combating organized retail theft.
