A shoplifting operation that raked in almost $2 million worth of clothes and beauty products has been busted, authorities revealed on Tuesday. The stolen goods were taken from major stores like Macy’s, Victoria’s Secret, and Sephora, then sold in New York City and even in the Dominican Republic.
Five people from New York are now facing serious charges, including felony possession of stolen goods and conspiracy, according to Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
With Black Friday and the holiday shopping season upon us, Katz reminded everyone to support trusted businesses. “If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is,” she warned.
The impact of organized retail theft isn’t just felt by stores—it’s hitting everyone’s wallet. Governor Kathy Hochul explained that businesses nationwide lose around $100 billion each year because of these crimes. Families are paying the price too, with an extra $500 tacked onto their annual costs due to this type of theft.
But this bust was more than just another crime story. It marked the first time anyone has been charged under New York’s new law targeting the sale of stolen goods. “We’ve had enough,” Hochul said firmly. “We’re cracking down on these criminals and their schemes.”
For two years, the group behind this operation focused on stealing high-end items like designer clothes, luxury perfumes, and popular beauty products. They had a system: shoplifting crews would raid stores across New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and beyond, stealing specific items on demand. The masterminds, a married couple named Cristopher Guzman and Yvelisse Guzman Batista, even paid truck drivers to reroute shipments straight from warehouses to their stash in Queens.
The stolen goods didn’t just sit around—they were sold online and through a boutique store called Yvelisse Fashion in Santiago, Dominican Republic. This wasn’t just a petty crime—it was a full-blown business.
When the couple and three others were arrested, they pleaded not guilty and were released while waiting for their next court date in January. Their lawyer, Vince Scala, says he hasn’t seen the evidence yet and is preparing to review the case.
Governor Hochul has been pushing hard to fight back against retail theft, especially as critics claim her party isn’t doing enough to tackle public safety issues. Over the past year, she’s introduced tougher penalties for attacking store workers, offered tax credits for businesses to beef up security, and made it easier to charge criminals who sell stolen goods.
Shoplifting isn’t just a New York problem—it’s happening everywhere. Viral videos of thieves swarming stores have sparked outrage online. Even California, which had relaxed penalties for smaller thefts a decade ago, just voted to make repeat offenders face harsher felony charges again.
For now, authorities are hoping this latest bust sends a clear message: the days of stealing and reselling without consequence might finally be over.
