How Gift Cards Became the New Laundromat for Chinese Crime Rings

A Homeland Security investigation revealed that Chinese organized crime groups are exploiting U.S. gift cards to launder over $1 billion in stolen funds. Criminals use stolen card data to purchase high-value goods in the U.S., which are then resold in China for profit. The proceeds are converted into cryptocurrency and funneled through Chinese payment platforms, creating a hidden pipeline of American wealth. Investigators have uncovered large-scale operations involving SIM farms and phishing scams to facilitate this fraud.

Boston Herald

Man detained after brandishing bow and arrow at Wasco Walmart 

On Sunday, a man armed with a bow, arrow, and crossbow caused a disturbance at a Walmart in Wasco, California. Police swiftly evacuated the store, ensuring the safety of employees and customers, and detained the individual without incident. The suspect was arrested on charges of brandishing a deadly weapon and trespassing, and no injuries were reported. The Wasco Police Department commended Walmart staff and officers for their quick actions, and the store resumed normal operations shortly after.

Bakersfield Now

Albuquerque security guard charged with murder

Josiah Armijo, a security guard in Albuquerque, was charged with second-degree murder following a fatal shooting outside a Spirit Halloween store. The incident began as a shoplifting case, with the victim, Case Beltramo, attempting to steal $90 worth of goods. Surveillance footage revealed that Beltramo was unarmed, and Armijo's use of deadly force was deemed unjustified. The case highlights concerns over the use of force by private security personnel.

KOB4

Nearly $850 Billion in Product Will Be Returned This Year

A report by the National Retail Federation estimates that $850 billion worth of products will be returned in 2025, with online sales accounting for a significant portion. Retailers face challenges like return fraud and costly behaviors such as "wardrobing" and "bracketing." However, returns also present opportunities to enhance customer loyalty through improved policies. Younger consumers, particularly Gen Z, are driving the rise in online returns, emphasizing the need for modernized reverse logistics.

GIFTS

3 takeaways from Saturday's No Kings nationwide protests

On Saturday, the "No Kings" movement organized over 2,600 protests across the U.S., accusing President Trump of acting like a monarch and opposing his policies on immigration, education, and environmental protections. Demonstrators, wearing yellow to symbolize unity, gathered peacefully in cities like Washington, D.C., and San Francisco, with creative displays like human banners and inflatable costumes. While Republican leaders criticized the protests as divisive, organizers emphasized themes of democracy, constitutional rights, and solidarity. The protests remained nonviolent, with no arrests reported in major cities like New York and D.C.

NPR

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Combat Organized Retail Crime

Across the U.S., organized retail crime (ORC) is on the rise. These are not run-of-the-mill shoplifting rings; rather, they are highly sophisticated networks that steal vast quantities of items for the sole purpose of reselling.

According to the National Retail Federation (NRF), “Organized retail crime can be a challenge to understand, as it is not a singular event or crime. It is also not limited to isolated acts of retail theft like shoplifting but can extend to crimes beyond a retail store environment.”
Townhall

Man Busted for Running High-Stakes Retail Theft Operation

A Lake County man has been arrested for his involvement in what the Santa Rosa Police Department said is a fencing operation for retail theft.

Robert Lopez, 39, of Hidden Valley Lake was arrested as a result of the investigation.

In a post on its Facebook page, the Santa Rosa Police Department reported that in September, detectives with its Property Crimes Investigations Team, or PCI, began a complex investigation into an organized retail theft fencing operation involving Lopez.
LC News

Redmond Police use drone to find retail thief with stolen merchandise

The Redmond Police Department said they arrested a thief with the help of a drone after he stole $600 in merchandise from a Target.

The drone followed a suspect from a target in Redomon after he was seen leaving the store with the items.

He was later caught by the drone, where he was seen stuffing additional stolen items in his backpack.

They were able to find his location, as he was running across four lanes of traffic to hide under Highway 520.
KIRO

If you are interested in hearing more about this year's GSX and the many innovations showcased, join me for OpenEye’s upcoming webinar where we will dive into exclusive takeaways from 2025’s Global Security Exchange and discuss innovations such as artificial intelligence, collaboration for special event security, the state of the industry today, and where the future of cloud video security is heading.

Two killed after shoplifting suspect crashes into vehicle after police chase

Two people were killed Saturday morning after they were hit by a suspect attempting to get away from police.

Byram Police Chief David Errington said the crash occurred near the intersection of Raymond Road Extension and Robinson Road.

Two people were killed, and a third victim was taken to the hospital. The suspect also was taken to the hospital for treatment, after sustaining non-life-threatening injuries.

Errington said an officer spotted the suspect’s vehicle, a gold Ford Expedition, headed north on I-55 and attempted to pull it over.
WLBT

Tariffs to Cost Firms $1.2 Trillion in Supply Chain Woes

A sweeping analysis by S&P Global has laid bare the staggering financial toll of tariffs on the global economy, estimating that companies worldwide will shoulder an additional $1.2 trillion in costs this year alone.

Drawing from data on nearly 9,000 firms representing about 85% of the $130 trillion global equity market, the report underscores how trade barriers, primarily those imposed during the Trump administration, are reshaping corporate finances.
WebProNews

How Louvre robbers swiped millions of dollars in jewels in wild 10-minute heist

It was the French Collection.

A trio of slick robbers disguised as construction workers took fewer than 10 minutes to brazenly break into the Louvre Museum in front of visitors and workers Sunday and coolly make off with millions of dollars in priceless gems, French authorities said.

Here’s how the sensational, lightening-quick heist went down.

Scooters and chainsaws At 9:30 a.m., just half an hour after the famed art museum opened, the gang of three thieves arrived at the central Paris tourist attraction on scooters.
NY Post

Cargo Theft Hits Record Levels Amid Tariffs

President Donald Trump’s trade tariffs have reportedly led to a 33% surge in cargo theft in the U.S., with organized gangs increasingly targeting truck drivers.

The rise has concerned drug manufacturers, clothing producers, and electronics companies, urging them to boost security.

David Warrick of Overhaul noted that higher shipment values from tariffs have created more theft opportunities.
MSN

The Future of Retail: How AI and Blockchain Integration is Transforming Consumer Experiences

In a world where tech is revolutionizing how we shop, the marriage of AI and blockchain is creating new possibilities. Imagine ordering your go-to coffee just by speaking, all while enjoying the convenience of instant transactions. This piece takes a closer look at how scalable blockchain technologies like Sui are reshaping retail, boosting transaction speed, and tapping into the surging demand for energy resources.
Onesafe