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Published on November 01, 2023
California Man Arrested as $4 Million Worth of Computers Seized in Los Angeles County Theft OperationSource: LAPD

In Southern California, law enforcement halted a significant theft operation, resulting in the arrest of a man accused of stealing $4 million worth of computers. Julio Vieyra, a 53-year-old from La Puente, faces charges of grand theft of cargo, following his apprehension on October 30, as detailed by KTLA

Information from the Los Angeles Police Department's (LAPD) newsroom indicates that the theft involved Lenovo computers tracked by the victim through embedded devices within the stolen tractor-trailer. It began in Los Angeles, continued to the City of Industry, and then moved to the City of Colton. Here, the Commercial Crimes Division's Cargo Theft Unit intercepted and retrieved the stolen goods.

Subsequent investigation sheds light on Vieyra's central role in coordinating the pickup and transport of the stolen computers. He admitted to breaking the bolt seal of the trailer to verify its contents and to discarding a tracking device before redirecting the computers to Colton. Authorities believed the final destination of the stolen computers was Findley, Ohio, illustrating the geographical scale of this sophisticated theft.

In this case, the LAPD's Harbor Division patrol officers first received information about the theft, which got passed onto the Commercial Crimes Division's Cargo Theft Unit. The assistance of the California Highway Patrol's Cargo Theft Interdiction Program (CTIP) and Overhaul Logistics made the swift interception possible.

Given its complexity, public input is essential. LAPD, accordingly, urged anyone with information about Vieyra or the incident to get in touch.