Over $1 Million of Stolen Nike and New Balance Sneakers Recovered in Chicago
Published
The sneaker industry continues to grapple with supply chain theft, a persistent issue that has plagued brands and retailers for years. The latest high-profile case unfolded in Chicago, where authorities recovered approximately $1 million worth of stolen Nike and New Balance sneakers.
As reported by Fox 32 Chicago, law enforcement arrested 26-year-old Erick Lujano Bautista after investigators discovered a warehouse he had sub-leased was filled with stolen Nike and New Balance sneakers. According to the Cook County Sheriff's Office, the discovery was made following an ongoing investigation into stolen footwear shipments.
A search warrant was executed on January 31 at the warehouse, leading to the recovery of the stolen sneakers. While details regarding the exact origin of the theft remain unclear, thieves commonly target shipping yards, trucks, and ports to secure sneakers and other stolen goods. Authorities confirmed that Bautista was not an authorized retailer for Nike or New Balance, leading to felony charges.
Images via Fox 32 Chicago
Among the recovered sneakers were highly sought-after releases, including upcoming collaborations that had yet to hit the market. Some of the most notable pairs included:
- A Ma Maniére x Air Jordan 3 Retro Diffused Blue
- Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 992 Aged Better
- Travis Scott x Jordan Jumpman Jack Dark Mocha
- Travis Scott x Nike Mac Attack
- Air Jordan 12 Phantom
- Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG Black Toe Reimagined
- Air Jordan 3 Black Cement
The sneaker industry has long been a target for theft, with stolen shipments frequently surfacing in resale markets or unauthorized storefronts. The sad truth is that some early sneakers appearing through resellers and resell shops are acquired by theft. Nike and New Balance, like many major brands, have invested heavily in combating supply chain theft through improved tracking technology, internal investigations, and partnerships with law enforcement.
In the last few years, there have been numerous instances of supply chain theft, including $5 million in sneakers recovered at the end of 2023, $7 million in sneakers found by the LAPD, and $200,000 worth of Air Jordan 11 Legend Blues found by California Highway Patrol. According to CargoNet, theft in the supply chain went up 63% in 2023 compared to 2022, and in Q1 2024, there was a 46% increase compared to Q1 2023.
The Chicago case is part of a broader effort by the Cook County Sheriff's Office to dismantle organized retail crime operations. In 2023, Sheriff Tom Dart established the Organized Retail Crime Unit, which has since recovered over $4.5 million in stolen goods.
Bautista appeared in court and was released pending further proceedings, while Nike and New Balance continue to work with investigators to determine the final status of the recovered merchandise. Whether this bust will lead to further arrests remains to be seen, but it is a stark reminder of the risks brands face in securing their product pipelines.
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Sneakerhead from South Florida who turned his passion into a career. Concerts, music, trying new restaurants, and catching the latest movies are some of the things I enjoy when not writing for Sole Retriever. Email: nick@soleretriever.com
