A pair of Brooks-Disney running shoes sold online helped police uncover a massive cargo theft operation in California, which led detectives to a warehouse packed with $1 million in allegedly stolen athletic shoes and merchandise.
On October 21, 2026, detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Commercial Crimes Division – Cargo Theft Task Force discovered approximately $1 million worth of allegedly stolen merchandise, including Brooks, Hoka, New Balance, Adidas, and On running shoes, inside a Chatsworth warehouse operated by DesignerDeals4Less.
The investigation began after detectives spotted a rare pair of Brooks-Disney running shoes for sale on eBay. These shoes, typically available only at Disney-run events, prompted investigators to make a controlled purchase before tracing the merchandise to the warehouse, where they found 35 pallets of allegedly stolen goods that had been lifted from cargo trains in the Los Angeles Region.
Business owner Heros Tasci, 51, of Simi Valley, was arrested on suspicion of receiving stolen property and later posted bail. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.
According to LAPD:
During the service of the search warrant, detectives contacted the business owner, who admitted to purchasing the stolen train property from illegitimate distributors.
The owner, 51-year-old Heros Tasci from Simi Valley, was booked at Van Nuys Jail for 496(A) PC – Receiving Stolen Property. His booking number is 7343696.
Brooks Running is the official exclusive running shoe partner of runDisney through a multi-year sponsorship deal that began with the 2025 race season. According to Brooks, the collaboration allows runners to marry their passion for the Disney brand with the creativity, technology and running industry expertise that is synonymous with Brooks.
Brooks and Disney recently revealed the running shoes for the 2026 Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, which took place October 23-25, 2026. Styles included Grumpy, Mary Poppins, Mickey, and Goofy. The reveal also gave us a first look at the all-new Ghost 18 Minnie Mouse, which will debut at the 2027 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
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