In today's globalized and interconnected world, supply chains serve as the lifeblood of economic activity. The smooth flow of goods and services is essential for maintaining prosperity and meeting consumer demands. However, the specter of organized retail crime (ORC) has emerged as a growing threat to supply chain integrity, causing significant economic losses and compromising safety for businesses and consumers alike.
To address this escalating challenge, the U.S. Congress has taken decisive action by introducing the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 (CORCA), a landmark piece of legislation designed to strengthen America's response to ORC, protect supply chains, and safeguard economic security.
The Context: The Rise of Organized Retail Crime
Organized retail crime refers to coordinated criminal activity by groups of two or more individuals who systematically steal retail merchandise for resale through physical stores and online marketplaces. Unlike individual shoplifting, ORC operations are characterized by high levels of organization, sophistication, and scale, creating devastating impacts for retailers, transportation companies, and the broader economy.
The recent surge in ORC has been fueled by several factors:
- E-commerce proliferation: The rapid growth of online marketplaces has provided criminals with new avenues to fence stolen goods, expanding their reach and complicating law enforcement efforts.
- Supply chain complexity: Modern supply chains' intricate and global nature creates vulnerabilities that criminals exploit to evade detection.
- Online anonymity: Digital platforms enable criminals to conceal their identities while easily moving stolen merchandise.
- Insufficient enforcement resources: Law enforcement agencies face resource constraints and coordination challenges in combating ORC networks.
Key Provisions: A Comprehensive Response
CORCA represents a comprehensive legislative approach to combat ORC through enhanced federal enforcement, improved data sharing, stricter penalties, and strengthened public-private collaboration. The bill's primary components include:
1. Strengthening Federal Enforcement:
- Expands federal jurisdiction under Title 18 of the U.S. Code to more effectively prosecute organized retail and cargo theft
- Authorizes additional resources for federal agencies investigating ORC cases
2. Establishing a Crime Coordination Center:
- Creates a DHS-led center to coordinate federal, state, and local ORC investigations
- Facilitates intelligence sharing and joint operations targeting retail theft and supply chain crimes
3. Enhancing Penalties for Cargo Theft:
- Increases punishments for organized cargo theft and fraudulent transportation schemes
- Authorizes asset forfeiture for proceeds derived from ORC activities
4. Improving Public-Private Cooperation:
- Mandates enhanced coordination between federal agencies, law enforcement, retailers, and logistics providers
- Encourages sharing of best practices for ORC prevention and investigation
Broad Support: A Bipartisan Consensus
Introduced in April 2025 by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Representative David Joyce (R-OH), CORCA has garnered significant bipartisan backing. Supporters emphasize the legislation's critical role in protecting supply chains, preserving economic security, and safeguarding businesses and consumers from ORC's impacts.
The bill has earned endorsements from major industry groups including:
- Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA)
- American Trucking Associations (ATA)
- Association of American Railroads (AAR)
- National Retail Federation (NRF)
Anticipated Impacts: Transforming Supply Chain Security
CORCA's implementation is expected to significantly enhance U.S. supply chain security by:
- Reducing cargo theft through strengthened enforcement and deterrence
- Mitigating economic losses for businesses and consumers
- Improving supply chain efficiency and reliability
- Enhancing consumer protection against counterfeit and stolen goods
Conclusion: A Legislative Milestone
The Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025 represents a watershed moment in America's fight against ORC. By fortifying federal enforcement capabilities, establishing coordinated response mechanisms, and fostering cross-sector collaboration, CORCA marks a decisive step toward securing supply chains and protecting economic interests. The legislation's bipartisan support reflects broad recognition of ORC's growing threat and the urgent need for comprehensive solutions.
As implementation progresses, CORCA's success will hinge on effective resource allocation, interagency coordination, and sustained commitment from both government and private sector stakeholders. The act's long-term effectiveness may evolve through jurisdictional expansions, technological innovations, and international cooperation as ORC networks continue adapting to enforcement pressures.
The legislation's introduction follows alarming industry reports documenting exponential growth in strategic theft incidents—with some estimates suggesting actual case volumes may exceed official statistics by three to fourfold due to chronic underreporting. High-value, easily transportable commodities remain primary targets for sophisticated ORC networks, generating multifaceted economic impacts that extend far beyond direct merchandise losses.