UPDATE: A shocking seafood heist has rocked New England, with thieves snatching $400,000 worth of lobster meat and thousands of oysters in separate incidents. The first theft occurred on November 22 in Falmouth, Maine, where authorities report that 14 cages of oysters, valued at $20,000, were stolen from an aquaculture site in Casco Bay.
The situation has escalated, with additional thefts reported in Taunton, Massachusetts. On December 2, a load of crab disappeared from the Lineage Logistics warehouse, followed by a brazen lobster heist on December 12. Thieves impersonated a legitimate trucking company to steal lobster meat destined for Costco stores in Illinois and Minnesota.
According to Dylan Rexing, CEO of Rexing Companies, the criminals executed a highly sophisticated scheme, using a spoofed email address and a fake certified driver’s license. “The carrier we hired impersonated a real carrier. It’s a very sophisticated crime,” Rexing stated.
The impact of these thefts is severe, especially for small businesses. “This is a devastating situation for a small businessman,” said Marine Patrol Sgt. Matthew Sinclair, highlighting the emotional toll on local aquaculture operators. Rexing also emphasized the broader implications, stating, “Whether you eat seafood or not, they’re stealing other items that go into computers, cars, and more. Ultimately, that cost gets thrown to the consumer.”
Authorities report that cargo theft like this has increased dramatically in recent years. Chris Burroughs, president of the Transportation Intermediaries Association, noted that there are typically two types of freight theft: impersonation and strategic theft involving phishing. The lobster heist belongs to the impersonation category, making it especially concerning for the industry.
As investigations continue, consumers and businesses alike are urged to be vigilant. The stolen lobster, with a short shelf life, is likely to end up in restaurants, raising concerns about food safety and economic impact.
This unfolding saga reveals a troubling trend in the seafood industry and highlights the need for enhanced security measures to protect against such brazen crimes. Stay tuned for further updates as police and industry officials work to address this growing issue.