ports

Tech cargo thefts surge past $300M as criminal networks exploit supply chains

High-technology cargo theft in the United States has reached crisis levels. Second-quarter losses exceeded $304 million—more than double the prior year—according to supply chain intelligence firm Overhaul. Thefts involving data center equipment, computing components, and semiconductors have jumped 38% since 2024, while total stolen goods value has risen over 110%. Individual losses regularly surpass $30 million, with incidents occurring weekly. Criminals employ sophisticated deception tactics in 92% of affected shipments, using fraudulent carrier identities, double-brokering, spoofed communications, and falsified paperwork. Cargo theft activity concentrates in California, Texas, Mississippi, Florida, and Illinois. Internationally, thefts cluster near established narcotics corridors in the Netherlands and Guadalajara. An estimated 60-70% of U.S. stolen components exit the country, destined for China, Russia, and Iran. Export controls have doubled black market prices for computer components.