A man from New York has been charged in connection with an alleged organized cargo-theft scheme spanning several states, according to federal authorities. Romoy Forbes, 31, a Jamaican national residing in Deer Park, New York, was arrested in Long Island and faces charges of interstate transportation of stolen goods and conspiracy to commit that offense. He is scheduled for an initial appearance in the Eastern District of New York and will later appear in federal court in Boston.
Authorities allege that Forbes and co-conspirators infiltrated email accounts belonging to legitimate trucking companies. By impersonating these companies through hacked email accounts, they are accused of arranging shipments with shippers before diverting the cargo for illicit sale.
Charging documents state that on July 15, 2025, Forbes stole over 33,000 pounds of frozen snow crab valued at $325,000 from a warehouse in Worcester, Massachusetts. The plan involved a co-conspirator hacking into a trucking carrier’s email account (Carrier 1) to contract with Shipper 1 for delivery to Jacksonville, Florida. Instead of making the delivery as intended, Forbes allegedly transported the seafood to a grocery store business location in Queens, New York. Authorities say he documented the transfer by taking photos of the crabs with his cellphone.
The investigation further alleges that prior to this incident—on June 25, 2025—Forbes stole blueberries from Winslow Junction, New Jersey using similar tactics. A co-conspirator reportedly gained access to Carrier 2’s email account and arranged shipment with Shipper 2 under false pretenses. Instead of delivering the blueberries to Illinois as planned, Forbes is said to have sold them illicitly via contact saved as “My customer for everything” on his phone.
On July 25, 2025—after both previous thefts—Forbes allegedly participated in another theft involving approximately $433,830 worth of cologne from Ronkonkama, New York. Investigators claim a co-conspirator hacked Carrier 3’s email account and contracted shipment with Shipper 3 for delivery to Los Angeles. Rather than deliver the goods as directed, Forbes purportedly offered them for sale through his usual contact and sent video evidence before receiving confirmation: “Ok.”
If convicted on interstate transportation of stolen goods charges alone—for which sentencing can reach up to ten years imprisonment plus fines—Forbes could face significant penalties; conspiracy charges carry up to five years’ imprisonment and additional fines up to $250,000 per count. Sentencing will ultimately be determined by a federal district judge based on U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: “United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge Federal Bureau of Investigation Boston Division made the announcement.” The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of New York also provided assistance during this case’s development; Assistant U.S. Attorney Brendan O’Shea is leading prosecution efforts out of Worcester.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration activities as well as criminal organizations affecting communities nationwide by leveraging resources across multiple task forces.
It is important to note that all details contained within charging documents are allegations; defendants remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.