Lobster shipment worth $400k hijacked before reaching Costco stores

A highly unusual and costly cargo theft occurred in the United States just before the holiday season when a refrigerated truck carrying $400,000 worth of live lobsters destined for Costco warehouses in Illinois and Minnesota was stolen before completing its deliveries.

The shipment, loaded with premium seafood products, originated in Taunton, Massachusetts, and was being transported by a logistics company en route to distribution centers in the Midwest. However, the truck and its valuable cargo never reached their intended destinations, leaving both the company and the retail stores in a lurch.

The CEO of the logistics provider confirmed that the shipment, which included live lobsters intended for Costco customers, disappeared under circumstances consistent with organized cargo theft. Such thefts are becoming more common as criminals increasingly target high-value shipments that can be resold quickly or converted to cash on black markets.

Food and beverage shipments, including seafood, alcoholic beverages, and other perishable or luxury items, are particularly vulnerable because of their high resale value and demand. In this case, the lobsters were considered especially valuable given their timing just before the holiday season, when consumer demand spikes.

Federal authorities, including the FBI, are investigating the disappearance as a criminal act. At the time of reporting, no arrests have been made, and the exact method of theft — whether through hijacking, impersonation, or diversion — remains unclear.

Cargo theft has been rising nationwide over the past decade, with losses estimated in the tens of billions of dollars annually. Organized criminal networks often exploit vulnerabilities at transit hubs, truck stops, and unsecured lots to target high-value shipments. Opportunistic theft also occurs, but large-scale, planned thefts such as this one involve careful observation and knowledge of the logistics network.

Earlier in 2025, authorities launched initiatives aimed at curbing organized retail and cargo theft through partnerships between federal, state, and local agencies. These programs focus on monitoring high-risk shipments, investigating theft rings, and improving security protocols for goods in transit.

The economic consequences of incidents like this extend beyond the immediate loss of cargo. Retailers face disruptions in inventory, delayed deliveries, and the cost of rerouting or replacing stolen products. These losses may ultimately be passed down to consumers through higher prices or limited availability, particularly for seasonal or specialty items.

For Costco, the hijacking of a lobster shipment just before the holiday season could affect store availability in Illinois and Minnesota, potentially disappointing customers looking for premium seafood for festive meals. Seafood like lobster is perishable, adding urgency and complexity to recovery efforts.

The logistics of transporting live seafood are also complicated. Temperature control, timely delivery, and careful handling are essential to maintain the quality of the product. Any delay or diversion can compromise the goods, which adds another layer of loss and waste beyond the monetary value.

Cargo theft often exploits gaps in security and communication along the supply chain. Criminals may use stolen credentials, falsified paperwork, or impersonation of legitimate personnel to gain access to high-value goods. In some cases, theft occurs at distribution centers or during transit, taking advantage of poorly monitored lots or vulnerable parking areas.

The incident highlights broader vulnerabilities in the supply chain, emphasizing the need for improved security measures, better tracking of goods, and more rigorous procedures at transit points. Technology such as GPS tracking, real-time monitoring, and enhanced verification protocols can help deter theft, but criminals continue to adapt to evolving security measures.

The theft also underscores the broader impact on workers, retailers, and the community. Drivers, logistics staff, and store employees are directly affected by delays and missing shipments, while small businesses that rely on timely deliveries may experience disruptions. Such events can ripple through the economy, showing how a single act of theft can have widespread consequences.

Authorities continue to investigate the theft, coordinating with state police and local agencies to identify suspects and recover the stolen goods. While the stolen lobster shipment represents a significant financial loss, it also serves as a reminder of the challenges facing modern supply chains and the growing importance of securing high-value shipments.

As the holiday season progresses, retailers and logistics companies are reviewing security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case illustrates the evolving threat landscape in freight and cargo transportation, where even sophisticated tracking and logistics systems cannot entirely eliminate the risk of organized theft.