Dive into the complex world of international logistics and cross-border trade with Rohit Laila, a seasoned expert with decades of experience in the logistics industry. With a deep understanding of supply chain dynamics and delivery systems, Rohit also brings a passion for technology and innovation to the table. In this interview, we explore critical issues like the alarming rise in cargo theft, evolving criminal tactics, significant investments in Mexico’s industrial landscape, and strategic acquisitions shaping the future of freight transport. Join us as we unpack the challenges and opportunities in this ever-changing sector.
What can you tell us about the recent surge in cargo theft globally during the third quarter of 2025, and what types of goods seem to be the prime targets?
The surge in cargo theft in Q3 of 2025 has been quite staggering, reflecting a growing sophistication among criminals worldwide. We’re seeing a sharp increase in incidents targeting high-value and essential goods, particularly in food and agriculture, as well as electronics. These items are often easy to move on the black market—food and agricultural products meet immediate consumer demand, while electronics fetch high prices due to their portability and value. This trend isn’t just about opportunity; it’s about criminals adapting to global supply chain pressures and shortages, which make these goods even more lucrative.
Why do you think Mexico accounts for such a high percentage of cargo thefts in North America, and are there specific areas or routes that are more vulnerable?
Mexico representing 75% of cargo thefts in North America is a stark statistic, and it comes down to a mix of geography, infrastructure challenges, and socioeconomic factors. The country is a major transit hub for goods moving between the U.S. and Latin America, which means a high volume of valuable cargo is constantly on the move. Certain regions, like the areas around Mexico City and major highways leading to border crossings, are particularly vulnerable due to heavy traffic and proximity to urban centers where stolen goods can be offloaded quickly. Compared to countries like Brazil or India, Mexico’s theft rate is exacerbated by organized crime networks that have deep roots and operate with relative impunity in some areas.
With truck hijackings being so common in Mexico, what makes this method a go-to for criminals?
Truck hijackings account for over half of theft cases in Mexico because they’re a direct and often brutally effective way to gain control of entire shipments. Criminals target trucks because they carry large volumes of goods in one go, maximizing their haul. Many hijackers exploit driver vulnerabilities—long hours, remote routes, and sometimes minimal security training make drivers easy targets. The method’s prevalence also ties into the lack of real-time tracking or armed escorts on many routes, giving criminals a window to strike and disappear before authorities can respond.
Can you shed light on some of the newer tactics criminals are using, like staging wrecks or using GPS jammers, and how these impact the industry?
These newer tactics are a game-changer in how cargo theft is executed. Staging wrecks involves criminals intentionally causing accidents to stop trucks, creating chaos that allows them to loot the cargo under the guise of a legitimate incident. GPS jammers are even more insidious—they block tracking signals, making it nearly impossible to locate a stolen truck in real time. Fake police checkpoints are another clever ruse, where thieves pose as authorities to pull over drivers without raising suspicion. These methods hit trucking companies hard with direct financial losses, increased insurance premiums, and delays, while drivers face heightened personal risks and trauma from these encounters.
How are thieves managing to disguise stolen fuel shipments or infiltrate warehouses near major airports in Mexico, and what challenges does this pose for law enforcement?
Disguising stolen fuel shipments often involves repackaging or relabeling cargo to pass it off as legitimate, sometimes using stolen or forged documentation. Near Mexico City’s airport, we’re seeing criminals infiltrate warehouses by using stolen trucks or insider information to blend in with regular operations. These tactics are tough for law enforcement to counter because they require detailed intelligence and coordination across multiple agencies. The sheer volume of goods moving through these hubs, combined with sometimes lax security protocols, makes it hard to spot anomalies before the stolen goods are long gone.
In the U.S., we’re hearing about ‘strategic theft’ involving fake carrier placards. Can you explain how this works and its effects on legitimate businesses?
Strategic theft with fake carrier placards is a sophisticated scam where criminals impersonate legitimate trucking companies by using counterfeit or stolen identification markers on their vehicles. This allows them to pick up loads under false pretenses and disappear with the cargo. For legitimate businesses, the fallout is brutal—there’s the immediate financial hit from lost goods, but the reputational damage can be even worse. Customers lose trust if they think a company can’t secure its operations, and sorting out liability in these cases often turns into a legal nightmare. It’s a stark reminder of how identity theft in logistics can be just as devastating as physical theft.
How are organized crime groups leveraging technology like AI to enhance their theft operations, and what can companies do to counter this?
Organized crime is getting tech-savvy, using tools like AI to analyze supply chain data, predict truck routes, and identify vulnerabilities in security systems. They might scrape data from public sources or hack into company networks to track high-value shipments. It’s a cat-and-mouse game, and companies need to fight fire with fire by investing in their own tech—think advanced tracking systems, blockchain for shipment verification, and AI-driven anomaly detection to flag suspicious activity. Staying ahead means constant vigilance and upgrading defenses before criminals exploit the next weak spot.
What practical steps can companies take to beef up their security in light of these evolving threats?
Companies need to start with the basics—rigorous driver training and vetting processes to ensure no insider threats. Real-time tracking and geofencing can alert operators to deviations in route or unexpected stops. Partnering with cargo theft task forces is also critical; these groups provide intelligence and resources that individual companies often can’t access on their own. Beyond that, investing in physical security like tamper-proof locks and even armed escorts for high-value loads can make a difference. It’s about layering defenses so there’s no single point of failure for criminals to exploit.
Looking ahead, what is your forecast for the future of cargo security and theft prevention in the cross-border trade landscape?
I think we’re at a pivotal moment for cargo security in cross-border trade. On one hand, criminals will keep innovating, leveraging tech and exploiting global supply chain disruptions. On the other, I’m optimistic that advancements in technology—like AI, IoT for real-time monitoring, and stronger international collaboration—will help tilt the balance back toward security. We’ll likely see more regulatory push for standardized security protocols across borders, especially in high-risk areas like Mexico. The key will be whether companies and governments can move fast enough to implement these solutions before the next wave of theft tactics emerges. It’s a race, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
