Tesla battery thefts cost millions at Nevada plant

A sophisticated crime ring has stolen millions of dollars worth of Tesla battery packs directly from the company's Gigafactory in Sparks, Nevada, in a series of cargo heists that began last December. According to law enforcement records, thieves have made off with at least 11 truckloads of Tesla Powerwall home batteries and vehicle batteries since then, exploiting gaps in the company's logistics security.

Storey County Sheriff's Detective Sam Hatley, who is investigating the cases, described the situation as an epidemic. Authorities are tracking a total of 17 alleged cargo thefts this year in the county involving Tesla and other businesses, though the exact number targeting Tesla specifically was not disclosed. One operation also targeted battery recycler Redwood Materials.

The thefts did not involve breaking into the secured factory. Instead, organized groups used fake identities and forged commercial driver's licenses to pose as legitimate freight carriers, gaining access to the loading docks to drive away with trailers. A Tesla manager told investigators that some of the initial thefts stemmed from the company failing to adhere to basic security protocols, such as verifying...