Combating Organized Retail Crime Act

This bill would expand federal enforcement against organized retail and supply chain crime by allowing the prosecution of stolen property offenses based on the total value of items stolen over a 12-month period. It proposes to designate these crimes as underlying offenses for money laundering prosecutions and would authorize the seizure of property obtained through such activities. Additionally, the bill would establish a temporary center within the Department of Homeland Security to coordinate federal law enforcement efforts targeting organized retail theft.

This legislation affects individuals and organizations involved in the interstate transportation, sale, or receipt of stolen goods, as well as those engaged in theft from interstate or foreign shipments. The Department of Homeland Security is impacted through the establishment of a new center to coordinate federal law enforcement activities. Additionally, the bill affects users and issuers of general-use prepaid cards and gift cards by including these instruments under federal money laundering statutes.

• Broadens scope of stolen property offenses. The bill allows for the prosecution of interstate transportation or sale of stolen goods based on the aggregate value of items stolen over a 12-month period.
• Designates retail crime as money laundering predicates. Offenses involving organized retail theft, supply chain crime, and theft from interstate shipments are established as underlying offenses for federal money laundering prosecutions.
• Authorizes criminal forfeiture. The measure permits the federal government to seize property obtained from the proceeds of organized retail and supply chain crimes.
• Includes prepaid and gift cards in money laundering statutes. Federal money laundering laws are expanded to cover criminal offenses involving gift certificates, store gift cards, and general-use prepaid cards.
• Establishes a coordination center within DHS. A temporary center is created within the Department of Homeland Security to align federal law enforcement activities targeting organized retail and supply chain crime.

• H.R. 2853, Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act of 2025
  Feb 24, 2026 · As reported by the House Committee on the Judiciary on January 30, 2026

The bill expands the scope of existing federal statutes governing the interstate transportation of stolen property and theft from interstate shipments. It also amends the federal money laundering statute to include these crimes as predicate offenses and to incorporate offenses involving general-use prepaid cards and gift cards.

The bill aims to strengthen federal enforcement against organized retail and supply chain crime by expanding the scope of related criminal offenses, applying federal money laundering statutes to these activities, and establishing a dedicated coordination center within the Department of Homeland Security.