Train Heists and Supply Chain Scams: Congress Targets Cargo Theft Surge

Cargo theft is becoming a major front in the fight against organized retail crime, drawing new attention from Congress. At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing this week, lawmakers warned that supply chain vulnerabilities—exposed by high-profile thefts like the $500,000 Nike train heist—are fueling criminal networks and causing billions in losses. While estimates vary wildly—from $1 billion to $35 billion annually—witnesses say the lack of reliable data and a fragmented law enforcement response make tackling the problem difficult. A bipartisan bill aims to centralize reporting and strengthen coordination across agencies to combat the growing threat.