BSI Consulting and TT Club 2024 Cargo Theft Report

The BSI Consulting and TT Club 2024 Cargo Theft Report reveals a rapidly evolving criminal landscape that poses significant threats to global supply chains. Published in April 2025, this comprehensive analysis examines cargo theft data from 2024, uncovering sophisticated criminal tactics and emerging risks across international logistics networks.

Strategic theft: the growing sophistication of cargo crime

Strategic theft now represents 18% of all cargo theft incidents in the United States, marking a dramatic shift in criminal methodology. These well-orchestrated schemes employ deception, fraud, and advanced technology, including artificial intelligence for document forgery and phishing attacks. Criminals demonstrate deep understanding of supply chain operations, exploiting vulnerabilities in warehouses and transit points with alarming precision.

Food and beverage products topped the list of stolen commodities at 22%, followed by agricultural goods (10%), electronics (9%), and fuel (7%). Trucks remained the primary target, accounting for 76% of all thefts, whilst 41% of incidents occurred during transit. Geographic hotspots included Brazil, Mexico, India, the United States, Germany, Chile, and South Africa, with incidents peaking in the first and last quarters of 2024.

The report highlights concerning trends across regions. In Europe, rollover thefts present extreme danger as criminals access moving vehicles. South Africa faces violent hijackings with significant insider involvement, whilst India struggles with systematic pilferage and pharmaceutical theft. South America experiences particularly violent incidents, with Brazil alone accounting for 68% of regional thefts.

For transport & logistics operators cover, understanding these evolving risks is crucial. The report emphasises robust mitigation strategies including enhanced due diligence procedures, sophisticated IT security solutions, and comprehensive staff training programmes. Companies operating cargo handling facilities cover must implement strict inventory controls and access management systems.

The collaboration between BSI Consulting and TT Club provides essential intelligence for claims management & digital services, enabling proactive risk assessment and improved security protocols across the supply chain.

Key takeaways

• Strategic theft using AI and advanced deception tactics represents 18% of US cargo thefts
• Food and beverage products are most frequently targeted globally at 22% of incidents
• Insider participation significantly contributes to theft risks, particularly in India (26%) and South Africa
• Internet-enabled crime facilitates sophisticated fraud schemes through phishing and business email compromise
• Geographic expansion of strategic theft beyond California to Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and other US states
• Rail theft in the US doubled from 3% in 2023 to 6% in 2024
• Violent hijackings remain prevalent in South America, with Brazil experiencing 68% of regional incidents

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common types of cargo theft in 2024?
Hijacking leads at 21%, followed by vehicle theft (20%), theft from facilities (16%), and theft from vehicles (14%). Strategic theft involving deception and fraud has emerged as a significant concern, particularly in the United States.

Which industries face the highest cargo theft risks?
Food and beverage industries experience the most theft at 22%, followed by agriculture (10%), electronics (9%), and fuel (7%). High-value pharmaceuticals and metals also face targeted theft operations.

How can companies protect against strategic cargo theft?
Implement robust due diligence on carriers, use advanced IT security solutions to prevent email compromise, establish clear escalation procedures, and employ real-time tracking systems with effective monitoring and response protocols.