GPS Spoofing and Account Hacks Drive $100 Million Data Center Heist

Thieves have stolen more than $100 million in data center freight since June by hacking freight broker accounts and spoofing GPS signals. The operation targets high-value hardware such as servers, fiber-optic cables, computer memory chips, copper wires, and bitcoin mining machines. Investigators state that the digital tactics make it easier to rob trucks carrying expensive equipment.

The scheme begins when criminals compromise freight broker accounts on shipment-listing websites. They post fake shipments to attract bids from trucking companies. When a victim clicks a malicious link provided by the thieves, software installs and takes control of the account. The thieves then bid on real shipments using the compromised credentials.

Once the bid is accepted, a driver collects the cargo. In some cases, a real driver is hired without knowing about the scam. In others, fake driver’s licenses are used to get accomplices hired. The goods are eventually transferred to a driver working with the thieves to resell the gear. In one of the largest thefts, tracking coordinates were spoofed to prevent digital monitoring.

The thefts have affected both dedicated and mixed cargo loads. Two stolen freights found in Illinois contained data center equipment only. The Cook County Sheriff’s Office estimated the value at $1.3 million. This includes $300,000 in copper wire spools and about $1 million in custom-made data center modular power solutions equipment.

Other trucks carried a mix of items. A case involving the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department recovered data center cooling equipment bound for Deepcool AI. This cargo was found among nicotine pouches, televisions, shoes, printers, speakers, and skin care cosmetics. Experts worry that Americans may be broadly harmed by the thefts, not just the AI industry.

Recovery efforts have had mixed results. Some stolen goods have been recovered, but none of the equipment was found in two of the largest thefts identified by NBC News. In those two cases, off-duty police officers hired to escort the shipments were targeted in hit-and-runs.

The next phase of the investigation involves law enforcement offices probing the biggest thefts. Industry leaders, consultants, and investigators are advising these offices on the sophisticated digital tactics used by the thieves.