Massive Retail Crime Ring Busted: $10 Million in Stolen Home Depot Goods
A sophisticated retail crime ring that targeted Home Depot stores across Southern California has been dismantled, with nine key players facing a 48-count criminal complaint. The ring, which is believed to be the largest targeted theft ring in Home Depot’s history, stole an estimated $10 million worth of merchandise from 71 locations in Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino counties.
The crime ring’s modus operandi involved stealing high-value items such as breakers, dimmers, switches, and outlets, which were then resold through a fencing business in Tarzana. The leader of the ring, David Ahl, allegedly directed theft crews to hit multiple Home Depot stores in a single day, with the stolen goods being delivered to his business or home in trash bags or Home Depot boxes.
Goods that were stolen from Home Depot locations were allegedly fenced by David Ahl through Arya Wholesale, his Tarzana business.
(Ventura County district attorney’s office)
Operation Kill Switch
Several law enforcement agencies worked together to take down the theft crew through “Operation Kill Switch,” which arrested 14 people on Aug. 14, nine of whom have since been charged. The criminal enterprise was allegedly led by David Ahl, who faces 45 felony counts, including conspiracy, organized retail theft, grand theft, receiving stolen property, and money laundering.
Ahl is accused of directing theft crews to seize high-value items at Home Depots, which he would then resell through his electronics storefront in Tarzana. His brother-in-law, Omid Abrishamkar, is accused of helping sell the stolen merchandise through EBay and faces 11 felony counts related to money laundering and reselling stolen property.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said it had seized at least $3.7 million in stolen Home Depot property and more than $800,000 in suspected illicit money from suspects’ accounts.
(Ventura County district attorney’s office)
Cracking Down on Retail Crime
Home Depot estimates that the crew is collectively responsible for more than $10 million in stolen merchandise. The arrests and charges are a significant step in cracking down on retail crime, which has been a growing
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