Two Indian nationals from Punjab convicted in $2 million US cargo theft case
PTC News Desk: Two Indian nationals from Punjab have been found guilty by a US federal jury for their roles in a scheme to steal at least $2 million worth of cargo from warehouses in Southern California and Texas.
Arshpreet Singh, 28, of Sacramento, and Vikramjeet Singh, 31, of Fontana, were convicted of conspiring to steal goods being transported between states. Arshpreet was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, while Vikramjeet was cleared of that charge.
According to US prosecutors, the two men and their associates allegedly bought or misused genuine trucking companies to win legitimate shipping contracts. After securing the contracts, they picked up valuable shipments but did not deliver them to their intended destinations.
The scheme reportedly operated from March 2024 to June 2025. The stolen goods included televisions, laptops, household appliances, vacuum cleaners, LED lights, shoes, tyres and other consumer products. Prosecutors estimate the total loss at at least $2 million.
The thefts took place at several locations across Southern California, including Fontana, Vernon, Santa Fe Springs, Long Beach, Compton, Commerce, Chino and Moreno Valley, as well as Grand Prairie in Texas.
Prosecutors said the defendants bought established trucking companies to carry out the scheme. In March 2024, Arshpreet allegedly agreed to buy Texas-based Z&F Transportation LLC for around $22,000. Later that month, someone working with him reportedly used the company to collect a shipment of televisions in Fontana but never delivered it to Florida.
In another case, associates allegedly bought Skyways Trucking LLC in May 2024 and used it to book shipments through freight brokers, including Uber Freight. The shipments reportedly included laptops, televisions, solar panels and other goods.
Sentencing has been scheduled for January 20, 2027. Arshpreet could face up to 20 years in federal prison, while Vikramjeet could receive a maximum sentence of five years.
The case was investigated by the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation and several local law enforcement agencies.
- PTC NEWS
