Data center gear is being hijacked in transit to the tune of hundreds of millions — grand-theft-GPU thieves hack accounts, perform hit-and-runs, spoof GPS signals, and funnel hardware to China - Tom's Hardware
Organized crime teams have stolen over $100 million worth of data center equipment since June 2026, employing sophisticated methods like hacking, GPS spoofing, and ramming trucks.
This type of heist has been growing over the past couple of years, with particularly significant losses reported in 2026. In one incident in Reno alone, thieves made off with $38 million in gear. The same city saw $15 million worth of semiconductors and Apple products stolen in July 2025.
Sophisticated Methods
Criminal organizations employ a range of tactics to intercept shipments. They use hacking and phishing to compromise logistics systems, perform hit-and-runs by ramming transport vehicles, and spoof GPS signals to redirect trucks to unauthorized locations.
Organized crime teams have taken to stealing data center gear off or with their transport trucks, to the tune of tens of millions per shipment.
International Network
The stolen equipment is being funneled to international markets, with China identified as a primary destination. The thefts represent a significant challenge for the technology supply chain, with losses continuing to mount as criminal operations become more sophisticated.
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