Seven people, including the owner of U.S. Pawn, have been arrested following a years-long racketeering investigation into a widespread retail theft scheme in South Florida, authorities announced.
The Broward Sheriff’s Office began investigating in 2022 after identifying a pattern of stolen merchandise ending up at U.S. Pawn locations. Thieves, known as “boosters,” stole items from major retailers like CVS, Walgreens, Home Depot, Publix, and Walmart. Employees at U.S. Pawn then allegedly bought the stolen goods and illegally resold them.
“It was quite the operation—very lucrative, unfortunately,” said BSO Sgt. Rich Rossman. He noted that boosters frequently brought in stolen goods in trash bags or wagons, often making multiple trips in a single day. At times, the shop was so overwhelmed that it had to turn away customers.
In December 2023, search warrants were executed at U.S. Pawn locations in Hollywood and Fort Lauderdale. Investigators seized more than 50 pallets of stolen merchandise valued at over $750,000.
Authorities said 46-year-old pawn shop owner Igor Melomed was the ringleader, coordinating the operation and involving several lower-level employees. He was arrested Tuesday alongside six others on charges including racketeering and dealing in stolen property. Two additional employees had been arrested earlier.
The investigation remains ongoing.
