An intricate scheme involving false identities and a seemingly foolproof operation concluded with an arrest and a vigorous police search across South Florida.
Authorities in Doral captured one of the alleged masterminds behind the theft of nearly $2 million in iPhones, while his accomplice remains at large.
Audacious Crime in Action
The bold heist took place on March 17 at a FedEx facility in Doral. The suspects, posing as employees from a logistics company, made off with numerous boxes of high-end devices.
According to local media reports, the plan was set in motion before the suspects even set foot in the warehouse. They contacted FedEx, impersonating representatives from the company that owned the shipment.
Deception Unveiled
“The suspects called FedEx claiming to be from Union Logistic, stating the company could not receive deliveries and that a worker would come to collect the shipment,” police sources explained.
A few days later, one of the suspects, identified as Robert Rashawn Soto, arrived at the facility with forged documents and successfully convinced the staff.
“He managed to gain the trust of an individual and then gained access to the delivery area,” Doral Police Department Chief Edwin López revealed during a press conference.
Executing the Heist
Once inside, the operation moved swiftly. Soto and his accomplice, Jeffery Moore, aged 61, began loading the merchandise with the assistance of unsuspecting FedEx employees.
The goods were then loaded onto a U-Haul truck they had rented. In total, they carried away 38 boxes containing around 1,800 iPhone 17 Pro Max units, valued at approximately $1,896,674.
However, authorities believe the theft could have been even more substantial.
“It could have been 138 boxes... the amount would have been much higher,” the police chief warned.
The Plan Unravels
The real logistics company manager arrived and noticed something was amiss when the delivery did not appear as expected.
“He suspected something was not right because the delivery didn't come through, which was unusual,” López recounted.
Although they attempted to stop them, the suspects managed to escape with the cargo already loaded onto the truck.
Tracking Technology to the Rescue
Their escape was short-lived. Authorities utilized tracking technology to follow the truck along Interstate 75.
Investigators used AirTags, license plate readers, and other technological means to pinpoint the vehicle's location.
The U-Haul truck was eventually intercepted near Gainesville in Alachua County. Moore, who was driving, was apprehended on the spot, and all the stolen merchandise was recovered.
“The suspect was apprehended almost in record time by authorities after tracking him using a tracking device,” local reports noted.
Ongoing Investigation and Search
While Moore faces charges of grand theft, conspiracy, and involvement in an organized scheme to defraud—with bail set at $2.5 million—his alleged partner remains on the run.
The police have identified Soto, aged 49, as a familiar figure within the community and are appealing for public assistance.
“This individual is known in the South Florida community. Someone knows him... he needs to be behind bars,” López emphasized.
Authorities are not ruling out the possibility of internal complicity and continue to investigate to uncover all aspects of the case.
Meanwhile, the search for the second suspect persists, with authorities stressing that any information could be crucial in solving one of the most notable tech heists in recent Miami-Dade history.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Miami-Dade iPhone Heist
How were the suspects able to access the FedEx facility?
The suspects gained access by impersonating representatives from the company that owned the shipment and using forged documents.
What role did technology play in capturing the suspects?
Authorities used tracking technology such as AirTags and license plate readers to follow and eventually intercept the U-Haul truck carrying the stolen goods.