Semi with $4M in computers stolen: Truck destined for Ohio, but truck was driven around California

The estimated retail value of the stolen merchandise stood at an astonishing $4 million, underscoring the magnitude of the operation.Photo byLAPD

A man was taken into custody following allegations of orchestrating the theft of $4 million worth of Lenovo computers in San Bernardino County, the Los Angeles Police Department said.

The suspect, identified as Julio Vieyra, 53, hailing from La Puente, has been apprehended by the Los Angeles Police Department in connection with the operation.

The investigation into this high-value theft began after authorities received a report of Lenovo computers disappearing from the Los Angeles area, the LAPD stated.

According to the victim, the computers were unlawfully taken through fraudulent means, and law enforcement swiftly activated tracking devices to trace a driver with a tractor/trailer transporting the stolen merchandise, police said.

The tracking device data unveiled that the driver had traveled from Los Angeles to the City of Industry before proceeding to Colton, police added.

Law enforcement managed to intercept the driver in Colton, successfully recovering the pilfered computers.

The estimated retail value of the stolen merchandise stood at an astonishing $4 million, underscoring the magnitude of the operation.

Throughout the arrest process, investigators uncovered key details implicating Julio Vieyra as the mastermind responsible for organizing the pickup and transportation of the stolen computers, police added.

It was revealed that the final destination for the items was in Findley, Ohio, police said. Photographs taken at the scene depicted the trailer filled with numerous stacks of wrapped computer boxes.

Moreover, Vieyra admitted to tampering with the trailer's bolt seal to determine the contents, and he confessed to discarding a tracking device before rerouting the computers to the City of Colton, according to police.

Julio Vieyra now faces charges of grand theft of cargo.

As the case unfolds, it remains under active investigation, with authorities diligently piecing together the full extent of the operation and any potential accomplices involved.

Members of the public with any information concerning Julio Vieyra or details related to this incident are encouraged to reach out to the LAPD's Commercial Crimes Division at 213-486-5920.

Additionally, anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org