A major law enforcement operation has disrupted a criminal enterprise that involved millions of dollars’ worth of cargo being stolen from Los Angeles ports and trains and then resold at commercial storefronts.
The joint operation involved detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department, Los Angeles Port Police, and the private law enforcement agency of Union Pacific Railroad.
Earlier this week, detectives served search warrants at DJ General Tool and Wire, a business with two locations in Montebello and Huntington Park.
During the service of those warrants, Dojoon Park, 41, of Montebello, was arrested on allegations of receiving stolen property.
Officials say Park’s business was reselling millions of dollars in name-brand merchandise, including electronics, tools, e-bikes, appliances and outdoor equipment, that was stolen during train and cargo burglaries.
Brands included Dyson, DeWalt, Makita and Milwaukee, many of which were being sold at the stores or listed online.
Park was booked into the LAPD Metropolitan Detention Center in downtown where he is currently awaiting charges.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell described the operation as a “powerful example” of law enforcement cooperating on major cases.
“Organized cargo and retail theft strikes at the heart of our economy, impacting local businesses, workers, and everyday families. This operation underscores our Department’s commitment to dismantling criminal networks that profit from stolen goods,” McDonnell said.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman vowed to hold accountable those who participate in crime rings that “exploit” the transportation system, hurting businesses, driving up costs and damaging the supply chain along the way.
“Cargo theft is not a victimless crime,” Hochman said.
So far, Park is the only arrest that authorities have confirmed. They did not say from whom he was obtaining the stolen products, or if any arrests had been made related directly to these train and cargo burglaries.
The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with information can contact the LAPD Commercial Crimes Division at 213-486-5920. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 800-222-8477.
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