San Diego shoplifters steal $20M from clothing stores

A product display shows designs from the new Body by Victoria are seen as Victoria’s Secret introduces the collection at Victoria’s Secret Beverly Center on August 1, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. US authorities said Victoria’s Secret had been among high-end stores targeted by a group of shoplifters that have stolen $20 million in merchandise. AFP

SAN DIEGO, United States — U.S. officials say they have busted a San Diego-based shoplifting ring that stole more than $20 million in goods from popular clothing stores across the country and sold the stolen merchandise in Mexico.

Stores targeted included Abercrombie & Fitch, Banana Republic and Victoria’s Secret.

Federal officials charged 22 people, including three already in custody and 12 others arrested Wednesday. They are searching for seven others.

Dave Shaw of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations says the ring’s U.S. members smuggled in acquaintances from Mexico who had previously been deported from to help steal.

Piles of Louis Vuitton shoes were found in searches of three San Diego area homes. CBB