Top line:
The alleged ringleader of an organized retail crime scheme that stole an estimated $8 million worth of beauty products across 21 California counties has been indicted.
The California Department of Justice announced the charges Friday. The names of those arrested have not yet been released.
About fees: Officials say the retail crime scheme took place in 21 different California counties, including Los Angeles, Ventura, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino. Authorities say the ringleaders recruited young women to steal popular beauty products from Ulta Beauty and other stores and sell them on Amazon stores at a fraction of the price.
Who did it? The identity of the alleged ringleader has not been disclosed. Those involved in the scheme were also caught on surveillance cameras and charged. Ulta and Sephora have collected an estimated $400,000 in beauty products so far.
How big a problem is retail theft? Many U.S. cities are reporting lower shoplifting rates in 2022, although the National Retail Federation is sounding the alarm and lawmakers are calling for tougher penalties.