Feds uncover theft ring targeting meatpacking crops in Iowa, other states

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LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — An investigation into the theft this summer of a number of semitrailers loaded with frozen beef from Nebraska has led to arrests and uncovered a multimillion-dollar theft ring concentrating on meatpacking crops in 6 Midwestern states, federal authorities explained.

The U.S. Office of Homeland Security documented Tuesday that the discovery of the Miami-dependent theft ring started in June with a Nebraska investigation into the theft of quite a few semitrailers loaded with virtually $1 million in frozen beef from places in close proximity to Grand Island and Lincoln.

The investigation, led by the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Workplace in Nebraska and Homeland Security’s Big Crimes Undertaking Drive in Omaha, decided that the theft ring was focusing on beef and pork packaging plants in Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota and Wisconsin.

On Oct. 20, investigators arrested a few Miami guys on suspicion of transporting stolen goods and revenue laundering. They face rates in federal courtroom in Florida. Information and facts on regardless of whether the adult men have attorneys representing them in the circumstance could not quickly be discovered Wednesday.

Investigators reported they have discovered close to 45 thefts that happened across the six Midwest states totaling $9 million in loss.