CSI CERTIFIED SPECIALINVESTIGATIONS California Licensed Private Investigations California PI License # PI 23991
Case study / Cargo / Shortage investigation

Missing laptop shipment: the timeline matters

A short-haul delivery of Lenovo laptop computers arrived missing three pallets. Video, security-seal handling and the delivery timeline became central to the investigation.

$170,195.63Claim denied
The reported claim

Reported loss

A shipment consisting of 253 Lenovo IdeaPad 17-inch laptops, valued at $170,195.63, was reported short after transport between facilities.

CSI investigative approach

  • Obtained and reviewed surveillance footage documenting cargo loading.
  • Examined the release of a security seal to the driver, and the reported failure to affix it at departure.
  • Reviewed the interval between pickup and delivery and statements about the seal on arrival.

Key findings

Three full pallets were reported missing at destination. The driver had exclusive custody of the trailer during an unusually long short-distance trip, creating material investigative concerns. Suspicion did not establish who removed the cargo.

Disposition

The cargo claim was denied under the policy’s mysterious disappearance provision. CSI submitted the investigative matter to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Subsequent criminal disposition is unknown.

Confidentiality and scope: This is an anonymized summary of an investigation. It does not reproduce the confidential SIU report, identify the insured, or make any finding of criminal guilt. The amount shown represents the stated claim or policy-limit exposure associated with the case, not necessarily an insurer’s net savings.
← Back to all case studies