Double Brokering Scammer Charged with Stealing $9.5 Million Worth of Interstate Shipments

A Chicago man is in hot water after being accused of masterminding a massive cargo theft operation that allegedly stole $9.5 million worth of goods. Let's break down what happened.

The Alleged Mastermind

• Name: Aivaras Zigmantas
• Age: 39
• Residence: Elk Grove Village, Illinois
• Nationality: Lithuanian

The Scheme

• Timeline: March 2020 - September 2023
• Goods Stolen: Copper rod, copper cathode, liquor, among others.
• Total Value: $9.5 million (intended to steal $13.5 million)

How It Worked

• Fake Identities: Zigmantas allegedly created multiple false identities. ("Rolandas Butikis," "Rolandas Butkus," "Vismantas Danyla," "Tom Kempinski," "Arturas Liaskevicius," "Darius Meskauskas," "Arminas Rimkus," "Egidijus Stankus," "Kathy Stone," "Darius Venskus," and "Aivarasz Zigmaneas")
• Fictitious Carriers: Names like Best Global Express and Mato Trans.
• Fake Brokers: Companies such as Total Freight Broker and A B Broker.
• Method: Induced shippers to release loads, diverted shipments, reloaded onto different trucks, and transported to various locations.

Legal Charges

• Wire Fraud: 6 counts
• Bank Fraud: 5 counts
• Theft of Interstate Shipments: 2 counts

Investigation

• Agencies Involved:
  • Homeland Security Investigations
  • U.S. Customs and Border Protection
  • U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations

The Indictment

The 22-page indictment reveals Zigmantas allegedly used aliases like “Egidijus Stankus” and “Arturas Liaskevicius” for check fraud. He reportedly submitted fraudulent bids as a representative of real trucking companies and diverted shipments to warehouses.

Current Status

• Plea: Not guilty

Source: CDL Life | Justice.gov