LAPD Recovers $1 Million in Stolen Rail Cargo

Authorities arrested a Simi Valley man after seizing dozens of pallets of stolen footwear and gear at a Chatsworth business.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Property Crime

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a single isolated shipping pallet, evoking a criminal investigation into stolen retail cargo. — The Los Angeles Police Department recovered $1 million in stolen merchandise, including footwear and apparel, from a Chatsworth business on Tuesday. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Los Angeles Police Department recovered approximately $1 million in stolen merchandise following a search of a business in Chatsworth. A 51-year-old Simi Valley man was arrested and booked on suspicion of receiving stolen property.

Why it matters

The investigation began after reports emerged of stolen shoes from a Brooks and Disney collaboration being listed for sale on eBay. Police suspect the items were intercepted from railroad cargo before reaching the retail market.

Heros Tasci was booked at Van Nuys Jail on suspicion of receiving stolen property after 35 pallets of goods were seized. The investigation is ongoing through the LAPD Commercial Crimes Division Cargo Theft Task Force.

The players

Los Angeles Police Department

The city law enforcement agency responsible for investigating the theft and executing the search warrant at the Chatsworth business.

Heros Tasci

A 51-year-old Simi Valley resident who was arrested and booked at Van Nuys Jail in connection with the recovery of the stolen merchandise.

The details

Detectives executed a search warrant at DesignerDeals4Less, located near Nordoff Street and Independence Avenue, uncovering backpacks and shoes from brands including Hoka, New Balance, Adidas, On, Salomon, and JanSport. The business owner admitted to purchasing the inventory from unauthorized distributors.

Police served the search warrant on October 21, 2026.

Legal Context

This recovery follows the enforcement patterns established by the LAPD Commercial Crimes Division Cargo Theft Task Force. It highlights the department's focus on disrupting organized retail crime rings that profit from stolen rail cargo.

Residents should report suspicious retail activity to the LAPD Commercial Crimes Division at 213-486-8766. The investigation into the sale of stolen goods on platforms like eBay may result in further scrutiny of secondary market listings in the area.

The takeaway

Consumers should be wary of prices that seem too good to be true when purchasing luxury athletic footwear or outdoor gear from third-party websites. Verifying the legitimacy of a seller remains the best way to avoid supporting the underground market for stolen freight.