RLP NEWS
Federal authorities have arrested two Rhode Island men accused of leading a multi-million-dollar organized retail theft ring. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the suspects were charged after investigators seized roughly 60,000 stolen items valued at $1.6 million.
Norman L. Cipriano, 52, of Warwick, and Patrick M. Vigneau, 59, of Cranston, were identified as key figures in the crime network, which federal prosecutors say trafficked stolen goods from major retailers. The investigation is part of a larger probe following a raid at a Cranston home last week.
“The scale of the retail theft network whose alleged leaders we have charged today is staggering,” U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha said at a press conference on Monday. He explained that such theft rings not only drive up costs for consumers but also endanger the public by circulating potentially unsafe or expired products.
Investigators executed multiple search warrants in Warwick, Cranston, and Pawtucket, recovering stolen goods sufficient to fill three 24-foot trucks. Cipriano and Vigneau face several charges, including interstate transportation of stolen goods, conspiracy, and money laundering.
Authorities outlined the structure of the theft ring, which involved “boosters” who stole goods from retailers and “fencers” who acted as middlemen. These items were then passed on to “cleansers,” who removed anti-theft devices, and finally to “diverters” like Cipriano and Vigneau, who sold the goods to smaller retailers and e-commerce sites.
“This isn’t just a victory but a call to action,” said Homeland Security special agent Michael J. Krol, urging consumers to purchase only from reputable sellers.
The stolen items, which included cosmetics and over-the-counter drugs, were sold to retailers across the country. Court documents show that the ring generated about $12.3 million in sales over time.
The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests may follow, federal officials said. Cipriano and Vigneau are expected to appear before a judge next Monday.