Police bust Lego trafficking ring in California hoarding shelves of decapitated minifigures

California Police have arrested a man accused of running an organized Lego theft ring, recovering tens of thousands of pieces and boxed sets from his home in what officers described as a “systematic” resale operation.

The Santa Rosa Police Department said detectives discovered the stockpile on Monday at a property in Lake County, north of San Francisco, where tables and bins were covered with loose bricks, minifigures, and unopened sets. Photos shared by investigators showed hundreds of figures lined up by facial expression and boxed kits stacked along the walls.

Robert Lopez, 39, was charged with organized retail theft and conspiracy to commit a felony. Police allege Lopez directed others to steal expensive Lego sets from major retailers such as Walmart and Target, then bought the goods at a discount to resell online at inflated prices. Officers also found firearms inside a safe, including a loaded assault rifle and a shotgun.

Police describe “systematic sorting” and resale operation

“The scene suggested systematic sorting and potential resale activity, consistent with fencing operations involving high-demand collectible items,” Santa Rosa police said. They estimated the total value of the seized Lego items at over $6,000.

Authorities said the investigation, launched in September, remains ongoing to identify other suspects and the specific stores targeted. Lopez faces up to three years in prison if convicted under California’s organized retail theft laws.

Lego’s collectible market has surged in recent years, with certain limited-edition minifigures reselling for thousands of dollars. Will Jensen, chief operating officer of brickLAB in Frisco, Texas, told The New York Times that the growing secondhand market makes theft more appealing. “Legos are collectibles like baseball or Pokemon cards or art,” Jensen said.

Thefts of high-value Lego sets have become increasingly common across California. Last year, burglars stole over $100,000 in merchandise from a Bricks & Minifigs store in the state. Police say the toys’ small size, popularity, and untraceable nature make them a frequent target for organized retail crime rings.