Driver With Six CDLs Charged in $12M Scheme Built on Hijacked Carriers
Connecticut prosecutors allege a group took over existing trucking companies and got loads from brokers. The defendant pleaded not guilty in Bridgeport federal court.
Key facts
A 33-year-old U.S. lawful permanent resident appeared in federal court in Bridgeport on Oct. 21 and pleaded not guilty to conspiracy. The maximum sentence is five years.
Prosecutors say participants took control of existing trucking businesses, including their DOT and MC numbers, business email accounts and former owners' identities.
Posing as the previous owners, they allegedly got loads from freight brokers. Drivers picked up the freight but it never reached its destination: at least 24 shipments worth over $12 million at retail.
According to investigators, the defendant held six CDLs: one valid in his own name and five under other names, with slightly altered facial features. They say the scheme began around September 2025.
The FBI is leading the case with Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation and the U.S. DOT Inspector General. These are allegations, not a conviction.
Source: FreightWaves, CDLLife