Manhattan Prosecutors Detail Large-Scale Theft and Hacking Scheme

Prosecutors in Manhattan revealed that a group collaborated with a hacking syndicate to execute a series of thefts using phishing schemes. The scheme involved stealing shipment information to intercept and sell goods on the black market in New York City.

From October 2025 to April 2026, the group stole goods worth $4.5 million, including 25,000 pounds of cheese, a truckload of lamb, and nearly 40,000 pounds of beef. They also seized $3.3 million worth of cigarettes. The operation involved the use of fake company logos and hacking techniques to deceive legitimate businesses and shipping brokers.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg highlighted the unsettling nature of the crimes. The victims, comprising goods owners and shipping companies, were unaware of the thefts until they had already occurred. On Wednesday, authorities indicted eight individuals associated with the scheme.

The crew impersonated real shipping carriers and brokers to steal massive amounts of protein and cigarettes. The hackers used phishing tactics to obtain shipment details. Utilizing this information, drivers appeared at pickup sites with forged invoices and fake logos to carry out the heists.

In addition to the meat and cigarettes, the group also stole copper valued at over $266,000. Murodullo Khasanov, 40, is identified as the ringleader. The involved individuals face charges of conspiracy in the fourth degree, grand larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property. Three were arraigned, while the others were either in ICE detention, deported, or being extradited.

Khasanov is also sought in Uzbekistan for fraud. Other previous black market schemes in Manhattan have involved less perishable goods. In 2024, several people faced charges for possessing $1 million in stolen goods from retail stores.

Hurubie Meko reports on criminal justice in New York, focusing on the activities of the Manhattan district attorney’s office and state courts.