Cargo Theft in Mexico Escalates as Criminals Refine Tactics

Cargo theft is climbing worldwide, with Mexico once again the clear epicenter in North America, according to a new Q3 2025 report from BSI Consulting.

The analysis shows hijackings accounted for nearly one-third of all global incidents, with hotspots in Brazil (30%), Mexico (17%), and India (11%). In North America, Mexico represented 75% of reported thefts. Truck hijackings remained the dominant method, responsible for 54% of all cases.

“Thieves are continually evolving their tactics. Companies must match that with rigorous verification, monitoring, and collaboration with cargo theft task forces,” said Tony Pelli, director of security and resilience at BSI Consulting.

Criminal Tactics Becoming More Sophisticated

The report found that criminals in Mexico are increasingly adopting new techniques to evade detection. These include:

• Staging intentional vehicle wrecks to force trucks to stop.
• Using GPS jammers to disrupt tracking systems.
• Establishing fake police checkpoints.
• Disguising stolen fuel shipments.
• Infiltrating warehouses using stolen trucks, including incidents near Mexico City’s Felipe Ángeles International Airport.

The sophistication extends north of the border as well. In the U.S., “strategic theft” schemes are on the rise. Criminal groups have been caught using fake carrier placards to impersonate legitimate fleets, often aided by cybersecurity breaches. The report warned: “Criminals may use temporary placards to impersonate stolen motor carrier identities and evade detection.”

Why It Matters

Cargo theft adds significant costs to global supply chains while undermining shipper confidence in carrier networks. Electronics, food, and agricultural products remain top targets, but the rise of cyber-enabled “strategic theft” points to an evolving threat that blends physical crime with digital intrusion.

For brokers, shippers, and carriers operating in and around Mexico, the BSI report shows the continued need for more robust vetting, layered security, and closer collaboration with task forces on both sides of the border.

A Timely Reminder

The findings arrive as FreightCaviar today releases our new Mexico documentary, exploring how cross-border freight is reshaping the industry. While risks like theft are growing, so are opportunities tied to nearshoring, investment, and innovation in Mexico’s logistics sector. The future of U.S.-Mexico freight will depend on addressing vulnerabilities while building on the momentum of stronger, more resilient trade networks.

Source: FreightWaves