Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025

Combating Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025

This bill targets large-scale, coordinated shoplifting and theft operations — often called "organized retail crime" — by strengthening federal tools to investigate and prosecute these criminal networks. Rather than addressing one-time or small-scale theft, the bill focuses on organized groups that systematically steal large quantities of merchandise from retail stores and then resell those goods, often through online marketplaces or other channels. The bill would create or expand federal criminal penalties specifically for people who organize, lead, or participate in these types of theft rings.

The legislation would give federal law enforcement agencies — likely including the FBI and Department of Homeland Security — greater authority and resources to investigate organized retail crime across state lines. Because these theft operations often span multiple states, federal involvement can be more effective than relying solely on local or state police. The bill may also require better coordination between federal agencies, local law enforcement, and retailers to share information and build stronger cases against these criminal networks.

This bill would most directly affect retail businesses, which have reported significant financial losses due to organized theft, as well as consumers who may indirectly pay higher prices as a result of those losses. It would also affect people involved in or connected to organized retail theft operations, who could face federal criminal charges. The bill has moved through the House Judiciary Committee and is now positioned for a full vote in the House of Representatives.