Law enforcement agencies in California arrested four people following a months-long investigation into a major cargo theft operation that involved the theft of multiple semi trucks.
Victor Alvarez, Brenda Alvarez, Mauricio Heriberto Gachicoa, and Otto Javier Rivas have been arrested on charges of auto theft, cargo theft, and conspiracy, according to a May 12 statement from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office (VCSO).
Each suspect was booked into the Ventura County Jail on a $250,000 bond.
Police began investigating after a Los Angeles-based cargo theft crew targeted the City of Camarillo between December 16, 2024, and January 5, 2025, allegedly stealing passenger vehicles for transport to Camarillo and then stealing semi trucks from industrial businesses to transport stolen trailers loaded with freight.
VCSO describes the cargo thefts perpetrated by the crew:
“On the night of December 16, 2024, unknown suspects stole a U-Haul box truck from Postal Magic Mail Service, located at 5235 Mission Oaks Blvd. In the early morning of December 17, these same suspects were captured on surveillance cameras casing the Harbor Freight Distribution Center, located at 3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. The suspects cut locks on cargo trailers, scouting the area for valuable cargo. Due to the presence of security guards, the suspects left the area. Deputies later located the stolen U-Haul truck abandoned nearby, along with bolt cutters left behind by the suspects.
On the night of New Year’s Eve, 2024, into the early hours of New Year’s Day, 2025, the suspects returned to Camarillo. Four semi-trucks were stolen from Custom Packaging Supply, located at 3233 Mission Oaks Blvd. The suspects drove to the Harbor Freight Distribution Center and then hooked up two stolen semi-trucks to two trailers filled with cargo destined for Harbor Freight retail stores. Additionally, two pickup trucks belonging to local residents were stolen from the 4000 block of Mission Oaks Blvd. and the 3400 block of Canoga Place. The stolen pickup trucks were used simply as a means to get around Camarillo. The stolen cargo trailers were later found emptied and abandoned in the city of Commerce and near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry in San Diego.
On January 5, 2025, the suspects again targeted Camarillo. In the early morning hours, they arrived in a box truck and broke into a loaded trailer belonging to Plush Beds, located at 5235 Mission Oaks Blvd. The suspects transferred the trailer’s contents into their box truck before fleeing the scene.“
In April 2025, search warrants were executed at at six locations across Southern California, including residences, storage facilities and businesses. VCSO said that stolen cargo was recovered from every location, with victim companies including Amazon, Craftsman, Samsung, TJ Maxx, and Converse. Police also seized narcotics, firearms, and bulk currency.
The estimated value of the recovered cargo is $1.5 million.
An additional arrest warrant was issued for Luis Rivera, who is housed in the Los Angeles County Jail on a separate cargo theft charge.
The investigation is still active, and additional charges and arrests could be pending.
Anyone who believes they have been a victim of a related cargo theft is asked to call Detective Ledesma or Detective Song at (805) 388-5115.
