RILA and the FBI Collaborate to Curb Organized Retail Crime
- By [ Lisa LaBruno ]
- 10/22/2021
RILA was instrumental in connecting the FBI with retailers in order to facilitate conversations with retail investigators about a broad range of topics including ORC networks, civil unrest, and security. As a part of RILA’s proactive approach, former Deputy Director David Bowdich was invited to speak to retail CEOs on the need for enhanced collaboration between the FBI and the retail industry. Because of these introductions and conversations, the retail industry was able to provide actionable information to the FBI on ORC and civil unrest, as well as identify and report on numerous national security threats affecting the United States. The Cleveland FO leverages the relationship with RILA and the retail industry by submitting requests for information to the retail sector to assist the FBI in identifying criminal and national security threat trends across the country.
Combating the growing problem of organized retail crime has been tremendously challenging for retailers, particularly as criminals become more brazen and sophisticated in their operations and exploit online marketplaces to sell stolen goods. The ability for the industry to collaborate with the FBI, sharing information and resources, is incredibly valuable. We’re optimistic that by coordinating efforts to curb these bad actors, retailers can continue to keep stores safe for customers and employees and product on shelves, so communities have access to the product they need for everyday living.
Lisa LaBruno
- Senior Executive Vice President, Retail Operations and Innovation
- RILA
In December 2020, Ms. LaBruno introduced SIA Long to Ben Dugan, Director of Organized Retail Crime and Corporate Investigations at CVS Health — The CVS Health investigations team was tracking multiple national ORC enterprises that were fencing stolen products via online marketplaces totaling several million dollars. After an initial presentation by CVS Health to the intelligence team at Cleveland FO, SIA Long connected Mr. Dugan to intelligence and operational squads in Houston, Detroit, Newark, and New York. The FBI continues to monitor these networks for future criminal investigations.
“Joining forces with FBI investigators and other law enforcement officials has played an important role in helping to curb organized retail crime in the markets we serve,” said Mr. Dugan. “Working together, we know that we will be able to reduce the theft that is plaguing the retail industry.”
A recent special event held in Cleveland illustrates another example of strong FBI-private sector collaboration. The City of Cleveland hosted a three-day special event that attracted hundreds of tourists to the area. With the threat of an increase in human and sex trafficking surrounding large scale events, the Cleveland FO, in coordination with the Cuyahoga County Human Trafficking Task Force, and the local non-profit organization Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, produced and disseminated a human trafficking indicators flyer with a tip-line prior to the event in order to collect threat information. The Cleveland FO disseminated and discussed the flyer with local DSAC partners, and coordinated with national DSAC committee members, Joe Donovan and Brenda Heck—as well as—RILA to disseminate the flyer to private sector and retail partners in northern Ohio.
This ongoing, working relationship with RILA, CVS Health and other retailers, has proven mutually beneficial. Cleveland FO recognizes RILA’s unique leadership position in the industry to engage retailers, with the expectation that this collaborative effort could expand to other FBI field offices.
Note: This is a reprint from the FBI's Domestic Security Alliance Council Newsletter.
By Brennan Long, FBI Cleveland Field Office
Tags
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Asset Protection
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Organized Retail Crime
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Keeping Communities Safe
