In a major crackdown, four Philadelphia men have been arrested and charged for their involvement in a sprawling conspiracy that targeted United Parcel Service (UPS) warehouses across the country, including one in Rockland County, NY. U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced the arrests, linking the group to burglaries at approximately 55 UPS facilities nationwide, resulting in thefts totaling around $1.6 million.
The accused, Aboudramane Karamoko and Sekou Fofanah, both 20, alongside 19-year-olds Shamaire Brown and Quamaire Brown, face charges of conspiracy to commit cargo theft. Karamoko was apprehended on November 15, 2023, in State College, Pennsylvania, while the other three were arrested the following day in Philadelphia. Following their initial court appearances, all four remain detained.
Investigations reveal that from January 2021 through April 2023, the group allegedly orchestrated break-ins at UPS facilities across several states, including New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and Rhode Island. Their modus operandi typically involved breaking into the warehouses during late Saturday nights or early Sundays, specifically targeting parcels containing high-value electronics, often marked with “lithium-ion battery” warnings. These parcels usually housed Apple products and other electronic devices. On at least one occasion, a firearm was also stolen from a warehouse.
The Clarkstown UPS warehouse on Route 59, fell victim to this crime spree, suffering a loss of approximately $10,200 worth of electronics on August 7, 2022.
If convicted, the defendants face up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000, or twice the gross gain or loss from the offense, whichever is higher. The investigation, led by Homeland Security Investigations Newark, was supported by multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Clarkstown Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jake A. Nasar and Sophie Kaiser of the General Crimes Unit in Newark are representing the government in this case.
It is important to note that the charges and allegations in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.