Thieves hijack AI hardware shipments in California (www.tomshardware.com)

Cargo theft in California has escalated with thieves hijacking security-escorted shipments of AI data center hardware, netting millions of dollars in stolen equipment. An investigation from WIRED revealed two incidents where thieves used tactics like car chases to incapacitate escort vehicles, resulting in the loss of high-value Nvidia servers and other tech gear. This surge in theft is part of a broader trend, with cargo theft losses in the U.S. and Canada jumping to $304.6 million in Q2 2026, despite a decrease in the number of reported incidents—a stark reminder of the ongoing risk in securing valuable shipments. The stolen cargo is believed to be circumventing U.S. borders, as international demand, particularly from China, drives black market prices significantly higher than in the U.S. For instance, Nvidia's DGX B300 servers, valued at approximately $550,000 domestically, can fetch over $1.1 million overseas. This situation highlights not only the vulnerability of the supply chain for essential AI/ML infrastructure but also serves as a glaring example of how organized crime is exploiting shifts in demand for expensive technological assets. As the marketplace transforms, bolstering security measures in freight transport is becoming imperative for safeguarding AI advancements.