The Queens District Attorney’s Office announced a significant breakthrough on Thursday, revealing the dismantling of a sophisticated retail theft operation that siphoned away $2.2 million worth of merchandise from Home Depot stores.
This organized theft ring spanned across nine states, targeting 128 Home Depot locations in a 13-month spree. The culprits made off with an impressive haul that included power tools, construction equipment, building supplies, smoke alarms, air conditioners, laundry detergent, paper towels, and other goods. In total, they struck 319 times, with the stolen items often finding their way into the black market.
Authorities have identified Armando Diaz, a resident of Queens, as the alleged mastermind behind this operation. Their strategy was precise: the crew would assess online inventories each night, selecting their targets for the following day. Early every morning, at 5:30 a.m., they convened in an East Elmhurst parking lot, conveniently located near the Long Island Expressway, before setting out on their daily raids.
District Attorney Melinda Katz described the methodical nature of the thefts, stating, “The defendants took breaks for lunch and dinner, sometimes hitting the same Home Depot up to four times in one day.” Once stolen, the items were swiftly resold, either through a Brooklyn storefront or on Facebook Marketplace. Katz credited the collaboration with the New York State Police for successfully ending this brazen crime spree.
“As alleged, this crew was amazingly coordinated, disciplined, meticulous, and dedicated,” she added, highlighting the sophistication of the operation.
The thefts varied in scale, with daily hauls valued between approximately $1,800 and a staggering $35,000, occurring from August 14, 2024, to September 11, 2025.
A total of 13 people are included in the 780-count indictment, with charges including grand larceny, conspiracy and criminal possession of stolen property for operating a stolen goods and fencing ring. One of the defendants has not been located by police, while 11 faced a judge on Wednesday. The 12th will be arraigned at another date. Each faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Along with the arrests and indictments, 14 storage units were seized and eight vehicles were confiscated.
Katz said the New York State Police assisted in the investigation, which began after state police identified a large amount of Home Depot merchandise being sold online in April 2024.
“The message today is organized retail crime will not go unanswered in this borough,” Katz said.
A similar retail theft ring that targeted Home Depot and Lowe’s locations along with rental car companies up and down the eastern seaboard was busted by federal authorities in January 2024. At least 21 of the stores were located in the Eastern District of New York, which covers Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and a swath of Long Island.
