Lululemon theft ring revealed: Organized crew suspected behind wave of shoplifted gear
The inner workings of a multi-level organized ring of stolen goods traffickers have been detailed in court documents obtained by CBC, shedding light on the prolific shoplifters who have stolen hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of clothes from Lululemon stores across the Lower Mainland.
According to search warrant and civil forfeiture materials, a Burnaby man charged last year in a high-profile investigation into stolen gear was allegedly in contact with a Surrey woman named Yawen Zeng. This March, police raided her home, uncovering $175,000 worth of stolen goods and cosmetics.
Despite facing criminal charges of trafficking in stolen property, Surrey RCMP investigators claim that the man was still “placing orders” with a street-level shoplifter “on what to steal.”
The search warrant details WhatsApp conversations where Zeng discussed prices and demand for specific Lululemon gear, showing her knowledge of worldwide retail pricing and potential involvement in international markets. The RCMP officer who obtained the warrant, Const. Chris Tessarolo, believes that Zeng was operating in an “organizing role” for the trafficking ring.
The investigation began last November when police started following Minh Ngoc Ta, a Lethbridge man facing multiple charges relating to theft from Lululemon stores. Surveillance showed Ta allegedly taking thousands of dollars worth of merchandise in grab-and-run thefts, particularly targeting the Lululemon store in Surrey’s Morgan Crossing mall.
Transit Police first alerted the public to the existence of a “large-scale, organized” Lululemon theft operation, as thieves used SkyTrain as a getaway vehicle. Charges were eventually filed against two men, Manishkumar Sureshbhai Patel and Manan Chandreshkumar Shah, for possession for the purpose of trafficking and trafficking in stolen Lululemon property.
Messages reviewed by RCMP investigators showed Patel negotiating with prolific Lululemon thieves, including Amber Cristina Rolston and Aaron Knight, a Surrey couple with bans from entering any Lululemon store in British Columbia. The messages indicated orders being placed for specific items to be stolen.
As part of the investigation, police reviewed Transit Police logs of Patel’s communications with the thieves, leading them to investigate Zeng. Surveillance, garbage searches, and assistance from a Lululemon Asset Protection Specialist revealed stolen items in Zeng’s home, as well as bulk gift cards and Chanel cosmetics.
Zeng, who has not responded to the lawsuit or been reached for comment, is accused of being in an “organizing role” for the trafficking ring. The court records also highlight concerns about a revolving door bail system that sees repeat offenders released almost immediately after being caught for new offenses.
Minh Ngoc Ta, the man who sparked the investigation, has faced multiple releases while awaiting trial on theft charges. Aaron Knight and Amber Cristina Rolston are also in custody on theft charges related to Lululemon stores. The investigation continues as law enforcement works to dismantle the organized ring of stolen goods traffickers operating across the Lower Mainland.
