Global Cargo Theft Surges Amid Digital Fraud Crisis

The alarming rise in cargo theft and freight fraud is shaking global supply chains, according to a joint alert from the International Union of Marine Insurance (IUMI) and the Transported Asset Protection Association (TAPA). With incidents escalating across Europe, the Americas, and Africa, the organizations highlight a troubling trend: criminals are increasingly shifting from traditional hijackings to sophisticated, technology-driven fraud schemes. Between 2022 and 2024, TAPA’s intelligence system recorded nearly 160,000 cargo-related crimes, leading to staggering losses worth billions of euros.

Shifting Tactics and Escalating Threats

While theft from trucks and warehouses remains prevalent, IUMI and TAPA have flagged the emergence of ‘fake carrier’ and phantom freight schemes as significant threats. Criminals are now impersonating legitimate transport companies by using stolen identities, cloned businesses, and forged documents to secure freight, only to vanish with the cargo. Thorsten Neumann, president and CEO of TAPA EMEA, expressed concern about the rapid digital evolution of cargo crime. “We are witnessing an increase in the use of forged emails, look-alike domains, fake insurance certificates, and stolen credentials,” Neumann stated. He cautioned that advancements in artificial intelligence could further amplify these deceptive tactics, making it easier for criminals to scale their operations and increase losses.

Recent statistics emphasize the magnitude of this issue. In North America, cargo theft losses soared to approximately $455 million in 2024. TAPA EMEA reported over 108,000 supply-chain thefts across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa in the past two years. Particularly concerning is the dramatic rise in phantom carrier cases in Germany, where full truckloads have been disappearing almost daily. “Freight exchange platforms must take responsibility to prevent bogus carriers from operating,” stressed IUMI Secretary General Lars Lange. He underscored the necessity for robust identity checks, fraud detection tools, and multifactor authentication to safeguard the industry.

Call for Enhanced Collaboration and Security Measures

In light of the evolving nature of cargo crime, IUMI and TAPA are urging shippers, logistics providers, insurers, and authorities to enhance their cooperation. Their recommendations include continuous vetting of carriers and drivers, stringent verification of contacts and documentation, adherence to recognized security standards, and increased real-time vehicle monitoring. They also advocate for the implementation of secure parking and effective route planning to mitigate risks.

Loss prevention measures must adapt as shipping innovates, say IUMI

While digital fraud is becoming more prominent in Europe and North America, the organizations caution that violent hijackings continue to pose a serious threat in regions such as Brazil and South Africa. This underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive global response to combat the evolving landscape of cargo crime, which remains a significant concern for stakeholders around the world.