Fort Bend County detectives arrested a Woodlands man on four felony charges after tracing a stolen FedEx package containing about $17,400 in gold and silver coins back to him.
Artur Kryvytskyi, 28, was taken into custody Wednesday, Sept. 2, at his Woodlands residence. Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office (FBCSO) Burglary and Theft detectives executed the search warrant with help from the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), KHOU reported.
Authorities allege Kryvytskyi used fictitious identification to intercept the package before it reached its intended recipient in Fort Bend County. The investigation began in early July after detectives received a report about the missing shipment, which had been sent with a signature-confirmation requirement.
During the search of Kryvytskyi's home, detectives recovered additional property they believe is connected to theft investigations in Montgomery and Harris counties, according to the FBCSO.
Charges span two agencies
Kryvytskyi was booked into the Fort Bend County Jail on three FBCSO felony charges: fraudulent use or possession of identifying information, theft of property and false statement to obtain property or credit. He also faces a fourth felony charge of fraudulent use or possession of identifying information from the Houston Police Department.
Investigation reaches across state lines
Detectives linked Kryvytskyi to theft investigations in Montgomery County, Sugar Land and Houston during their probe, according to the FBCSO. The investigation has since expanded across the United States, with numerous jurisdictions looking into similar thefts.
The sheriff's office declined to say how the packages are allegedly identified and intercepted, citing the active investigation.
"Our investigators followed the evidence, worked closely with our law enforcement partners, and were able to identify and arrest a suspect," Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan said in a statement.
More victims possible
The FBCSO said investigators believe there may be additional victims.
The investigation remains active.
The sheriff's office encouraged residents expecting high-value deliveries to consider picking up packages at a staffed carrier location and to monitor shipment tracking closely. Suspicious activity involving a delivery should be reported to the carrier and to local law enforcement, the office said.
