Alleged Leader of Lego Theft Syndicate Apprehended in Northern California

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A man from Northern California was taken into custody last week for allegedly masterminding an elaborate plot to steal and resell Lego sets.

On October 13, authorities executed a search warrant at the residence of 39-year-old Robert Lopez. Inside, they uncovered a treasure trove of Lego pieces, as reported by KRON, a local San Francisco news affiliate.

The police found the house packed with containers, bins, and tables overflowing with tens of thousands of loose Lego pieces. In addition, there were numerous unopened boxes of brand-new Lego sets. The total value of the seized items exceeded $6,000.

“The evidence pointed to a well-organized sorting system and suggested activities typical of operations that resell high-value collectibles,” stated the Santa Rosa Police Department.

Police also found several guns and ammunition in a safe. Lopez is a convicted felon and not allowed to possess or own a firearm. He was arrested and booked on suspicion of organized retail theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy to commit a felony and felony in possession of a firearm and ammunition.

“Lopez was actively involved in organized retail theft, specifically targeting LEGO sets and communicating with local retail thieves to commit thefts of specified items at his direction,” the SRPD wrote.

local affiliate KRON contributed to this report