Two Indian nationals convicted in SoCal cargo theft scheme

LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Two Indian nationals were found guilty today of conspiring to steal at least $2 million in cargo by buying or fraudulently using legitimate trucking companies to obtain shipping contracts, pick up loads from warehouses across Southern California and steal the goods rather than deliver them to their destinations.

Arshpreet Singh, 28, of Sacramento, and Vikramjeet Singh, 31, of Fontana, were each found guilty in Los Angeles of one federal count of conspiracy to commit theft from interstate or foreign shipments. Arshpreet Singh also was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

According to evidence presented at the seven-day trial, Arshpreet Singh and co-conspirators purchased or fraudulently used real trucking companies to bid on authentic shipping contracts. After winning the bids, the defendants and others took possession of the cargo but stole it rather than deliver it to the correct destination.

The stolen cargo was often high-value electronics such as televisions and laptops, appliances and other high-value consumer goods. Other items stolen during the conspiracy included vacuums, LED lights, shoes and tires, with an estimated loss of at least $2 million, federal prosecutors said.

The thefts occurred across Southern California, including in Fontana, Vernon, Santa Fe Springs, Perris, City of Industry, Long Beach, Compton, Commerce, Pico Rivera, Chino and Moreno Valley, as well as in Grand Prairie, Texas.

Vikramjeet Singh was acquitted of one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

U.S. District Judge Anne Hwang scheduled sentencing hearings for Jan. 20, at which time Arshpreet Singh will face up to 20 years in federal prison, and Vikramjeet Singh will face up to five years, prosecutors said.