Thirteen individuals have been charged in connection with an international network accused of stealing thousands of shipments of iPhones and other electronic devices across the United States. The charges were announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Vikas Khanna for the District of New Jersey.
The individuals, including Demetrio Reyes Martinez from the Dominican Republic and several residents from New York and New Jersey, face various charges such as conspiracy to transport and receive stolen property, wire fraud conspiracy, and transportation of stolen property.
According to court documents, the defendants allegedly participated in a scheme targeting shipments from FedEx and other carriers. The network reportedly used automated scripts to extract data from tracking systems and bribed employees of a major U.S. cellular provider for confidential customer information.
The operation involved "dispatchers" who sold delivery information and "runners" who stole packages. Major fence locations were operated in the Bronx and Brooklyn where stolen devices were sold. Some members traveled nationwide to steal electronics.
Reyes Martinez, known as "CookieNerd," is alleged to have developed computer scripts that facilitated access to shipping information. Acting U.S. Attorney Khanna stated: “These defendants are alleged to have worked together as part of an international ring to steal thousands of expensive electronic devices.”
Michael Alfonso, Acting Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New York Field Office, remarked on the defendants' alleged targeting of American customers: “As alleged, the defendants victimized American customers and businesses alike by targeting, tracking, and stealing their valuable electronic shipments.”
The investigation involved multiple agencies including HSI Newark, FBI Newark, NYPD, Union County Prosecutor’s Office, among others. In 2024 alone, over 400 package thefts targeting cellular devices were identified in New Jersey.
The defendants will appear before Judge José R. Almonte at the U.S. District Court in Newark. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David E. Malagold and Trevor A. Chenoweth are representing the government.
All charges are accusations at this stage; the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.