Organized thieves hijacked a $400,000 live lobster shipment bound for Midwest Costco stores, fueling the nationwide cargo crime epidemic that drives up prices for working American families.
Story Snapshot
- $400K shipment of live lobsters stolen en route from Taunton, Massachusetts, to Costco in Illinois and Minnesota.
- FBI investigates as part of organized rings plaguing U.S. supply chains nationwide.
- Logistics CEO warns thefts like this directly hike costs for businesses and consumers.
- Occurred during 2025 holiday peak demand, exposing vulnerabilities in food transport.
The Hijacking Details
Rexing Companies, an Indiana-based logistics firm, picked up the $400,000 shipment of live lobsters from a supplier in Taunton, Massachusetts. The cargo headed to Costco stores in Illinois and Minnesota but vanished en route. Thieves struck sometime after pickup, preventing delivery during the late December 2025 holiday rush. Taunton serves as a key lobster shipping hub near major ports, making it a prime target. This perishable haul required urgent live transport, adding pressure to the rapid resale scheme.
$400k shipment of live lobsters hijacked en route to Midwest Costco locations https://t.co/2yF7FPcmFV
— FOX Business (@FoxBusiness) December 25, 2025
Organized Crime Rings Target High-Value Cargo
Experts link the theft to surging organized cargo theft across America, where rings hit trucks for quick profits. Live lobsters stand out due to holiday demand spikes and resale value, unlike typical electronics grabs. Dylan Rexing, CEO of Rexing Companies, called it a “huge issue across the country.” These crimes erode supply chain trust and burden honest businesses. President Trump’s tough stance on cartels offers hope, but law enforcement must ramp up to protect American commerce from such bold heists.
$400K shipment of live lobsters hijacked on way to Costco in possible ring of thieves https://t.co/is48gzHH4L pic.twitter.com/pG4tu2Mr1S
— New York Post (@nypost) December 25, 2025
Stakeholders Face Immediate Losses
Rexing Companies absorbed the financial blow while Costco dealt with stock shortages in key Midwest locations. Unnamed lobster suppliers in Taunton lost their high-value product. The FBI leads the probe, suspecting an organized ring, but no arrests surfaced as of December 26, 2025. Retail giants like Costco prioritize supply integrity to serve families, yet these hits disrupt holiday meals. Logistics firms push for enhanced security amid rising threats.
Consumer Prices Climb from Theft Epidemic
Dylan Rexing stated this theft “directly impacts businesses and contributes to higher prices for consumers.” Short-term shortages hit Costco shoppers seeking affordable seafood feasts. Long-term, firms hike security costs, passing expenses to buyers amid inflation pressures. Rural and Midwest communities feel the pinch hardest, as perishables like lobsters spike during peaks. Nationwide alerts signal food cargo risks, demanding stronger federal action under President Trump to safeguard everyday Americans.
FBI Probe Ongoing Amid National Trends
The story broke December 24-26, 2025, with FOX 9 first reporting the Minnesota angle. FBI efforts continue without recovery or culprit details. Patterns match truck hijackings countrywide, per industry insiders. No prior lobster-specific heists noted, but the tactic fits organized operations. Limited details on exact timing, lobster quantity, or supplier persist due to the fresh incident. Trump’s border security wins curb related crime flows, yet domestic rings persist.
Sources:
$400K Shipment of Live Lobsters Hijacked En Route to Midwest Costco Locations in US
FOX 9 Video on Lobster Theft to Minnesota Costco
Lobsters Heist: Stolen Costco Theft Ring
