Fake FedEx drivers steal $680K electronics load from New Castle, DE, warehouse

Delaware State Police arrested a California man after a $680,000 electronics shipment disappeared from a New Castle, DE, warehouse. Troopers recovered the trailer at a Newark, DE, parking area with every item inside. Investigators connected the scheme to fraudulent identification, shipping records and a false registration plate. The case began with a pickup near Wilmington, DE.

Police took Dushatdaman Parihar, 35, of Manteca, CA, into custody Sept. 15. Troopers encountered him near the parked tractor-trailer at University Plaza. Authorities transported him to Troop 2 following the contact. A Justice of the Peace Court arraigned him and set a $66,550 secured bond.

Documents cleared the pickup

Two suspects arrived at a River Road business in New Castle at 9:15 a.m. Sept. 14. They used a tractor-trailer cab and identified themselves as FedEx employees. The pair showed driver’s licenses and documents for electronics valued above $680,000. They attached the cargo trailer to their cab and left.

The business later learned the paperwork was fraudulent. Its caller located the equipment at University Plaza in Newark and called 911. While officers spoke with the caller, Parihar walked toward the tractor-trailer. They found false credentials and a fraudulent plate.

Charges follow recovery

Delaware State Police charged Parihar with felony theft involving property valued at $100,000 or more. He also faces first-degree forgery, second-degree forgery and second-degree conspiracy charges. Authorities added one count for a fictitious registration plate. Investigators returned the trailer and goods to the business.

Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Unit continue to investigate the case. The official announcement names a second participant but gives no identity. The Delaware State Police Public Information Office told FreightWaves it has no additional details to release. Detective S. Marioni accepts information at 302-365-8388.

Why it matters

Cargo thieves can exploit routine pickup procedures, identification checks and shipment documentation. Transportation professionals need controls that verify drivers, equipment and dispatch records before releasing high-value freight.

Click here for more articles on cargo theft and freight fraud by Phil Brink.

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