Police in the Moscow region disrupt a backhoe theft ring
Authorities in the Moscow region have halted a criminal group that specialized in stealing backhoe loaders and other heavy construction equipment. The update comes from the Ministry of Internal Affairs Media and outlines how investigators tracked a loose network of thieves operating under the cover of night, exploiting unguarded parking areas near active construction sites.
Initial findings show that the suspects targeted facilities where valuable machinery was left unattended. Under the cover of darkness, they disabled ignition systems by removing and reconnecting wiring, allowing engines to start without authorization. The operation unfolded quickly, with vehicles moved from current sites to less scrutinized locations where crews could work undisturbed.
Once the equipment was captured, the thieves transported the excavators into a wooded belt and removed license plates while disabling satellite tracking systems. The stolen assets then disappeared from view and were relocated to settling tanks in Domodedovo and within the bounds of Moscow. Police detained five men of Transcaucasian origin, aged between 36 and 42, on suspicion of multiple thefts linked to this gang. Alongside the five excavators, investigators seized two tractors that had been used in the burglaries, a truck, and four cars that served as transport and support for the operation.
The total damage attributed to the thefts exceeded 33 million rubles, reflecting the high value of the equipment and the disruption caused to construction projects across the region. The case illustrates the ongoing challenges faced by site managers and law enforcement in preventing unauthorized access to expensive machinery that often sits in open lots or near work zones after hours.
In a related development, police reported the arrest of a separate car thief near St. Petersburg after a vehicle was stolen and subsequently crashed. This incident underscores the broader pattern of vehicle-related crimes that can intersect with organized theft networks, particularly when multiple stolen assets move through urban and peri-urban areas before dispersal.
Investigators emphasize the importance of robust site security practices, including controlled access, robust illumination, real-time monitoring, and tamper-resistant ignition systems. Protective measures such as GPS tracking, tamper alarms, and regular inventory checks can help deter theft and shorten response times when incidents occur. The authorities are continuing to pursue all leads to dismantle the network and recover additional stolen equipment. Attribution: Ministry of Internal Affairs Media.