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National Cargo Theft Operation Nets $635K in Recovered Freight, Multiple Arrests

A coordinated 24-hour enforcement operation across the United States resulted in arrests and approximately $635,000 in recovered stolen cargo. Cook County Sheriff's Police led the initiative with support from federal, state and local authorities, including the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Illinois State Police and Chicago Police Department. Railroad carriers Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific, BNSF Railway and CSX participated alongside industry partners CargoNet, TAPA and Overhaul. Sheriff Tom Dart's office coordinated the effort, described as the nation's first operation specifically targeting cargo theft networks. Investigators recovered 30 stolen transformers valued at $600,000 after locating them at a Massachusetts facility on September 23. The shipment had been moved under fraudulent documentation through multiple cross-dock facilities. Fort Worth Police and Lawrence Police assisted in the recovery. Officials said final arrest numbers and complete statistics from participating agencies remain pending.