Florida

Authorities bust $1.1M baby formula ring spanning eight judicial circuits

The ring generated over $1.1 million in profits by reselling stolen products between late 2024 and mid-2025

Florida A.G. Today, Florida's Attorney General announced the arrest of the leaders behind over a million dollars in baby formula thefts.

PALM BEACH, Fla. — A Lake Worth couple has been arrested on racketeering charges after authorities say they ran a statewide fencing operation that bought and resold stolen baby formula, generating more than $1.1 million between November 2024 and June 2025.

Mohammed Alsaidi, 59, and Zeina Abdul-Hassan Sou Zabib, 49, face conspiracy to commit racketeering and two counts of directing dealing in stolen property—first-degree felonies carrying up to 90 years in prison if convicted.

Investigators say “boosters” stole formula from Publix, Target, Walmart, Walgreens, CVS and Winn-Dixie, selling it to the couple for about $10 a can before it was stored and resold from a Lake Worth home and a Davie warehouse.

The 15-month “Formula One” probe linked the ring to more than 150 thefts across eight judicial circuits, including Central Florida counties such as Orange, Polk and Osceola

“Stealing baby formula away from parents who rely on it to feed their children is unconscionable,” Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier said. Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw added that empty shelves create fear of shortages and force families to hunt for formula.

Nine boosters were also charged, including Kenneth Jones Jr., linked to more than 50 thefts totaling over $70,000. The case will be prosecuted in Palm Beach County by Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Monique Wilson and Special Counsel Chris Olowin.

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Angel Green

Angel Green, WFTV.com

Angel Green is a Content Creator for WFTV.com.

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