Prosecutors in Manhattan announced an indictment against a group involved in stealing millions of dollars in goods to sell on the black market. The items included vast quantities of cheese, meat, and cigarettes.
Between October 2025 and April 2026, this group executed a scheme that netted them $4.5 million in goods. The operation relied on a collaboration with a hacking syndicate, using phishing tactics to obtain shipment details. They forged company logos and impersonated legitimate shipping companies to facilitate their thefts.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg highlighted the plight of the victims, who were unaware of the crimes until it was too late. In total, the organization pulled off six elaborate heists, impersonating reputable shipping carriers and brokers to mislead businesses.
The group engaged a hacking team that infiltrated communication networks to extract shipment information. This allowed them to present fake documentation and branded trucks at pickup locations, effectively stealing significant amounts of goods.
Prosecutors charged Murodullo Khasanov, aged 40, as the alleged leader. The participants ranged from their early 20s to early 40s and faced charges including conspiracy, grand larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property. Three members appeared in court recently, while the rest are under detention, deportation, or extradition processes. Notably, Khasanov is also sought in Uzbekistan for fraud charges.
Previous similar crimes focused on less perishable items. In 2024, Manhattan authorities pursued cases involving $1 million in stolen merchandise from retailers such as Macy’s and Ulta Beauty.
Hurubie Meko, a Times journalist, specializes in criminal justice reporting in New York, especially within the Manhattan district attorney’s office and state courts.
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