An in-depth investigation led by the Broward County Sheriff's Office (BSO) uncovered a long-running organized crime network operating out of South Florida, inflicting multimillion-dollar losses on major retail chains such as CVS, Walgreens, Home Depot, Publix, and Walmart. The operation concluded with the arrest of a pawn shop owner and seven of his employees, who were involved in the purchasing and reselling of stolen merchandise.
The criminal network was primarily centered around U.S. Pawn, located in Broward County, which acted as a hub for collecting and distributing stolen goods, as reported by local media. The operation's leader, Igor Melomed, 46, is said to have coordinated and orchestrated the illicit activities, involving lower-level employees, according to authorities.
Initiated in 2022, the investigation culminated in multiple raids and arrests.
The Criminal Network's Modus Operandi
Those involved systematically stole high-value, easily resellable items such as over-the-counter medications, health and beauty products, tools, and electronics. These goods were then delivered to U.S. Pawn, where they were sold both in-store and through online platforms.
"During the course of the investigation, detectives determined there was a group dedicated to stealing these goods from retailers… and then reselling them at U.S. Pawn and through online channels," explained Claudinne Caro, a sheriff's office spokesperson. According to BSO Sergeant Rich Rossman, "It was quite a complex operation, and regrettably, very profitable."
Detectives noticed a disturbing trend among affected retailers: "Everyone was going to U.S. Pawn," Rossman added. The criminal activity was so rampant that some thieves conducted multiple daily transactions.
Raids and Arrests
The scenes described during the raids illustrate the scale of the operation. "They would close the doors because they couldn't handle more customers due to the sheer volume of products on the counters. Items were brought in trash bags and loaded onto carts," Rossman recounted.
In December 2023, investigators executed search warrants at several U.S. Pawn locations in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale. As a result, over 50 pallets of stolen merchandise, valued at more than $750,000, were seized. "In December 2022, our investigators executed a search warrant at one of the Hollywood branches and found 53 boxes of merchandise valued at $750,000," confirmed Claudinne Caro.
Seven individuals were arrested last Tuesday, with two additional employees previously detained. Charges include organized crime and trafficking in stolen goods.
Impact and Ongoing Investigation
The network's activities not only resulted in significant financial losses for the affected retailers but also highlighted the sophistication of such crimes within the retail sector. "They were very successful in their network of scamming these stores," the police spokesperson noted.
The case remains under investigation, with the possibility of further arrests or expanded charges against additional individuals being considered by authorities. This incident underscores a growing trend of organized crime using seemingly legitimate businesses as fronts for illegal activities.
FAQs about Organized Crime in Retail
What was the role of U.S. Pawn in the criminal operation?
U.S. Pawn acted as a central hub for collecting and distributing stolen goods, facilitating both physical and online sales of these items.
How did investigators discover the criminal network?
The investigation began in 2022 and uncovered the network through raids, arrests, and analysis of patterns linking the stolen goods to U.S. Pawn.
What charges do the arrested individuals face?
The individuals face charges of organized crime and trafficking in stolen goods.