Federal authorities have charged a Chicago-area family with stealing more than $7 million worth of goods and netting $4 million by selling much of the loot on eBay.
Three members of the Bogdanov family of Northbrook, Ill., were arrested at their $1.4 million home on Tuesday after agents tracked an eBay account to a man who reportedly worked with them, the U.S. Attorney’s office said Wednesday. The man is now working with authorities as an informant.
Branko, Lela, and Julia Bogdanov are expected in court on Friday. They’re being charged with transporting stolen property across state lines. The three allegedly traveled across the country throughout February nabbing products ranging from baby monitors to Lego blocks from stores including Barnes & Noble and Toys R Us. Prosecutors say the stealing spree began on Feb. 17 in Oklahoma and the family traveled to Texas and Louisiana before ending back in Northbrook.
The family allegedly concealed stolen goods under clothing, the Chicago Tribune reports. They could each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for their crimes. The family has yet to comment.
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Breaking Down the 2024 Election Calendar
- How Nayib Bukele’s ‘Iron Fist’ Has Transformed El Salvador
- What if Ultra-Processed Foods Aren’t as Bad as You Think?
- How Ukraine Beat Russia in the Battle of the Black Sea
- Long COVID Looks Different in Kids
- How Project 2025 Would Jeopardize Americans’ Health
- What a $129 Frying Pan Says About America’s Eating Habits
- The 32 Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2024
Contact us at letters@time.com