In Providence, RI, two men, Norman L. Cipriano, 52, of Warwick, and Patrick M. Vigneau, 59, of Cranston, have been arrested and charged in federal court following the seizure of approximately 60,000 stolen items valued at around $1.6 million. The items, including over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, were allegedly stolen and resold through organized crime networks.
Cipriano and Vigneau, identified as high-level Diverters, are accused of running a large-scale theft ring that supplied stolen goods to other retailers and private buyers. Their operations involved setting up shell companies and using unregulated third-party processors like PayPal to avoid detection.
The seizure involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Homeland Security Investigations, and local police. The investigation revealed that the theft network had potentially generated $12.3 million in sales over recent years.
Both defendants have previous convictions related to similar crimes. Cipriano has a history of trafficking counterfeit goods, while Vigneau was recently released from federal prison after serving time for drug and money laundering charges.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ly T. Chin and involves numerous law enforcement and loss prevention agencies.