Undercover Sting Dismantles Major Alleged Lego Smuggling Network

Two men have been charged following an extensive eight-month investigation by undercover police in Puyallup, Washington, for their alleged involvement in buying and selling stolen Lego sets.

Pierce County prosecutors charged Anthony Neely and Brian Lauman with five counts of attempted trafficking of stolen property. The charges stem from their alleged purchase of Lego sets they were led to believe had been stolen.

The investigation was initiated after a series of shoplifting incidents at a local Target store, where thieves stole Lego sets to sell for cash. In response, the Target store tightened security by placing the Lego sets behind locked cabinets. Previously, the sets were secured with anti-theft devices.

Between March and November 2023, undercover detectives posed as sellers and sold Lego sets to Neely and Lauman, who were employed at South Hill Rare Coins, LLC on Meridian East. Court documents reveal that investigators made it clear the items were shoplifted, yet the suspects proceeded with the transactions.

According to the investigation, detectives brought the stolen Lego sets, complete with anti-theft devices, to the store. When informed they could not sell the items, the detectives removed the devices outside and successfully transacted the sale within minutes.

The accused men reportedly resold the stolen Lego sets online, capitalizing on the high demand and resale value of rare Lego sets, some of which can fetch thousands of dollars.

The ongoing investigation attracted attention from local business owners, including John Berlanga, who operates a denture shop next to the implicated pawn shop. Berlanga observed suspicious activities, stating that it was clear people were unloading items out of boxes. He had long suspected his neighbors were dealing in stolen goods.

Following their release, Neely and Lauman are now awaiting trial. The case underscores the lucrative and fast-moving black market for collectible Lego sets, which are both difficult to trace and highly sought after.

This investigation highlights not only the lengths to which undercover detectives will go to catch criminals but also the persistent challenge of dealing with black market goods.