RILA applauds Senate action advancing organized retail crime bill

ARLINGTON, Va. — The Retail Industry Leaders Association is praising the U.S. Senate’s decision to include the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA) as an amendment to the 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, calling it a significant step toward strengthening the federal response to organized retail crime.

The trade association said the bipartisan measure would improve coordination among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and retail industry partners to combat organized theft, cargo crime, gift card fraud and other criminal activity targeting retailers.

“Leading retailers extend our sincere thanks to Senators Grassley and Durbin for their leadership and commitment to addressing organized retail crime and moving the Combatting Organized Retail Crime Act forward. This bipartisan bill brings together needed resources and federal coordination that will strengthen collaboration between law enforcement and industry partners to dismantle the criminal syndicate networks running cargo theft and gift card schemes and too-often violent instore theft events,” said Evan Armstrong, RILA’s senior vice president of government affairs.

RILA noted that CORCA enjoys broad bipartisan support from lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and the retail industry. Earlier this year, the association organized a letter signed by nearly 200 organizations urging the Senate to approve the legislation.

“Holding the individuals and networks behind these crimes accountable will help make communities, workers, and retail stores safer. We look forward to working with Senators to see this bill pass the Senate,” Armstrong said.

RILA said it has long advocated for stronger federal and state policies to address organized retail crime and has worked with retailers and law enforcement to combat gift card fraud and raise public awareness of the issue.

According to the association, advancing CORCA would provide new tools for information sharing and coordinated enforcement to investigate, prosecute, and dismantle organized criminal networks responsible for sophisticated retail theft schemes.