Police in the United States are investigating a spate of highly organised seafood thefts, with thieves making off with an estimated $400,000 (approx. £300,000) worth of premium shellfish in three separate incidents.
A Devastating Blow for Small Business
The first reported heist occurred on 22 November in Casco Bay, Falmouth, Maine. Thieves stole 40,000 full-grown oysters in cages valued at $20,000. Maine Marine Patrol Sergeant Matthew Sinclair described the impact on the local business as 'devastating', highlighting the severe consequences for independent operators.
Just weeks later, the criminals struck again, this time targeting warehouses in Taunton, Massachusetts. The haul included substantial quantities of crab and lobster meat. The theft was executed with remarkable precision, involving a fraudulent trucking company that impersonated a legitimate carrier.
A Sophisticated Criminal Operation
Dylan Rexing, CEO of the affected Rexing Companies, detailed the elaborate deception. 'They had a spoofed email address. They changed the name on the side of the truck. They made a fake certified driver’s licence,' he explained. 'It’s a very sophisticated crime.'
The current whereabouts of the stolen seafood remain unknown, though Rexing speculates the high-value lobster has likely already found its way into restaurant kitchens. He issued a broader warning about the ripple effect of such crimes: 'Whether you eat seafood or not, they’re stealing other items... Ultimately, that cost gets thrown to the consumer.'
From Maine to Chelsea: A Global Problem
While the major heists occurred in the US, a separate incident in Chelsea, London, underscores that shellfish theft is not confined to one region. In November, a woman was captured on CCTV stealing a box of langoustines worth around £200 from the porch of the Michelin-starred Elystan Street restaurant.
The footage, shared by the restaurant on Instagram in an attempt to identify the suspect, showed a woman in blue jeans and light-coloured slippers taking the mini-lobsters intended for a bisque selling at £39 per portion.
Authorities on both sides of the Atlantic are now urging businesses in the food supply chain to enhance their verification processes for collections and deliveries, as organised crime groups employ increasingly complex methods to target high-value goods.
