Organized Crime Targets AI Boom: Data Center Equipment Theft Surges Across US

Organized criminal groups across the United States are increasingly targeting data center equipment and copper infrastructure amid the AI boom. Recent seizures near Chicago included stolen cargo worth $1.3 million.

Organized Crime Targets AI Boom: Data Center Equipment Theft Surges Across US

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and data center construction has created a lucrative new market for organized criminal groups, who are increasingly targeting server components, copper cables, and specialized infrastructure, reports 24ur.com.

Investigators from the Cook County Sheriff's Office in Illinois recently discovered two stolen trailers at a truck parking area near Chicago. The first contained copper wire coils worth approximately $300,000, stolen from Alabama. The second held data center equipment valued at roughly $1 million, taken from Florida. The combined value of the recovered cargo reached around $1.3 million.

Keith Lewis, a risk assessment expert at Verisk CargoNet, told Business Insider about a case three months ago where nearly a dozen shipments of copper and electronic equipment destined for data center construction vanished during transport. The losses totaled almost $5 million.

"Criminals understand the market extremely well. They operate far more strategically and with clear targets today. They know precisely what is most in demand and what sells best," Lewis warned.

The surge in AI development has driven explosive demand for copper, electrical cables, server racks, RAM modules, networking equipment, cooling systems, and other specialized infrastructure. Copper prices have climbed by roughly one-third over the past five years, making it one of the most sought-after commodities for criminal organizations.

Emily Williams from Geotab noted that thieves have evolved their methods. Rather than relying on physical break-ins, many now use generative artificial intelligence to mass-produce convincing phishing messages. These allow them to infiltrate logistics companies' information systems and identify valuable shipments without ever entering a warehouse.

Source: 24ur