ORLANDO, FLORIDA — Florida officials announced charges against six suspects accused of running an organized cargo theft operation that targeted unattended semi-trailers and commercial trucks parked in commercial areas and distribution corridors across the state.

On February 12, the Florida Attorney General’s Office said Grand Theft and Conspiracy to Commit Grand Theft charges were filed against:

• Alayn Espinosa Lopez

• Yerrison Perez

• Yasser Mederos Garcia

• Alexis Suarez Hernandez

• Alejandro Valdes

• Arley Osmany Hernandez Relova

Officials said the group is tied to at least 32 cargo theft incidents and one vessel theft spanning Orange, Broward, Polk, Osceola, St. Lucie, and Volusia counties.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol Cargo Theft Unit, the investigation began in May 2023 after multiple thefts involving “unattended commercial semi-trailers loaded with high-value cargo” were reported in the Orlando area and beyond. Authorities said that between May 2023 and March 2025, the group allegedly stole 51 commercial vehicles and 28 cargo shipments, totaling an estimated $7.8 million in losses.

The stolen cargo reportedly included retail merchandise, consumer electronics, copper wire, HVAC equipment, cooking oil and food products, energy drinks, wine and spirits, and other alcoholic beverages.

Investigators said the suspects were part of a Major Theft Organization that stole trailers and loads from commercial areas, parking lots, and distribution corridors, then allegedly searched for and disabled GPS tracking devices to avoid detection before transporting stolen property to South Florida, where it was sold to others involved in resale.

Officials credited coordination between the Florida Highway Patrol, Orlando Police Department, and multiple local agencies for helping identify and dismantle the theft ring. Authorities said the six defendants face a combined maximum penalty of 300 years in prison.

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