A “highly sophisticated criminal enterprise” based in Florida stole $9 million worth of meat from packing plants, leading to the arrests of three individuals, according to authorities.
Yoslany Leyva Del Sol, Ledier Machin Andino and Delvis Fuentes, all of Miami, are being held on federal charges of money laundering and interstate transportation of stolen goods. The ring is said to be responsible for 45 thefts of trucks loaded with meat that took place starting last summer in Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin.
The investigation started with the theft of $1 million worth of frozen meat in June from Lancaster County, Neb. When authorities arrested the three in Miami, they also recovered three semitrailers full of frozen beef and pork valued at $550,000.
It was not clear from news reports how the arrested men were able to steal the trucks loaded with meat. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, which spearheaded the investigation, says the case is ongoing.
