No big fish story here - this is the one that didn't get away!   A collaborative effort with results measured in big dollars, big impact on the bottom line, or big changes in operational policy, this is an investigation that is noteworthy for making an impact and making a difference.  

The Investigation of the Year is about the case, and the whole case - but not "nothing but the case", because this category is intended to recognize the people, the process and the result, which may include the effect the investigation had on others, on the community, and on the industry.  To be eligible for nomination, this retail crime investigation must have concluded or culminated to the point of prosecution and/or recovery, during the calendar year of the award nomination.   The investigation is eligible for nomination by anyone that was involved with it, or that has public, or intimate, knowledge of the specific case details.  

We do ask that you please keep the details to a high level, referencing only information that is known publicly, and that you are sensitive to not share any information that is restricted, confidential, or otherwise classified.

To recognize a specific individual as a consistent performer when it comes to investigations, please consider nominating under the Investigator of the Year category for retail investigators, or the Law Enforcement Partner of the Year, for law enforcement professionals. 

Here's what people are saying about this great investigation:
Anthony Pfleger, Regional Manager of Investigations at EssilorLuxottica, played a pivotal role in dismantling a sophisticated burglary ring responsible for over $1.2 million in stolen Sunglass Hut merchandise.  A series of retail burglaries struck Sunglass Hut locations across the eastern U.S., where suspects bypassed alarm systems by cutting through drywall from neighboring stores. Anthony quickly recognized similarities to prior incidents and launched a multi-jurisdictional investigation that exemplified collaboration, strategic thinking, and perseverance. Partnering with local law enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the National Leads Center, Anthony identified patterns and tracked the suspects to South Florida. A major break came when a UPS store clerk flagged suspicious shipments after seeing a BOLO alert related to a recent Tennessee burglary. That tip led to surveillance footage and a vehicle license plate, which law enforcement traced using FLOCK camera systems. Authorities intercepted the vehicle near Nashville, recovering $275,000 in stolen sunglasses and critical evidence connecting the suspects to multiple break-ins. Anthony’s coordination efforts continued as Miami PD and HSI executed a search warrant in South Florida, uncovering an additional 4,000 stolen frames and bringing the total recovery to over $1.2 million. The suspects, now facing federal charges in multiple states, were apprehended with bond amounts exceeding $1 million. Anthony’s leadership, ability to connect case elements across jurisdictions, and collaboration with federal and local partners directly contributed to the successful takedown of a high-impact retail theft crew. This case sets the gold standard for investigative excellence in organized retail crime.  

Here's what people are saying about this great investigation:
.......This year, one of the most significant and impactful investigations unfolded in Queens, New York, leading to the takedown of a $2 million stolen goods operation. This case exemplifies the power of coordinated investigative work, involving law enforcement, prosecutorial diligence, and state-level leadership. Unveiled just days before Black Friday—the peak of the holiday shopping season—the investigation culminated in the arrest of Queens residents, a husband-and-wife duo accused of operating a vast and sophisticated retail theft ring. Their enterprise, which trafficked in stolen perfumes, apparel, cosmetics, and even components of 3D-printed firearms, posed a serious threat to both commercial retailers and community safety. This investigation stands out for several reasons. First, it dismantled a complex, organized criminal operation that had exploited retail vulnerabilities and profited from the systemic theft of high-demand consumer goods. Second, it came at a critical time of year when retail businesses are most at risk and consumer confidence is crucial. Lastly, the investigation highlighted the broader societal impact of organized retail crime—including price inflation, diminished neighborhood safety, and the erosion of small business stability. Governor Kathy Hochul and Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz’s strong public response underscored the case’s significance. Their joint press conference, flanked by a table stacked with recovered goods, served not only as a victory lap for law enforcement but also as a warning to organized crime syndicates. Hochul’s powerful message—“We’ve had enough with criminals preying on our citizens”—echoed the public’s growing frustration with unchecked retail crime. This case is a testament to effective, high-impact criminal investigation. It combined timely intelligence gathering, meticulous surveillance, and interagency collaboration to protect both the public and the economy. For its complexity, timing, and broader implications, this case deserves recognition as the Investigation of the Year.

....... In one of the most sweeping and strategically executed operations of the year, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, in collaboration with the New York State Police, Federal agencies and Inv. Carolyn Doran, dismantled a multi-million dollar organized retail theft ring that had plagued New York retailers and extended its reach internationally. At the height of its operation, the ring—was trafficking an estimated $50,000 in stolen goods every week. What made this case uniquely impactful was not only the scale, but the sophistication: the duo funneled high-end merchandise through an international distribution channel, including a boutique storefront in Santiago, Dominican Republic. Profits were carefully laundered, with 10–15% kickbacks paid to local street crews executing the thefts. This case is a hallmark example of proactive, intelligence-led policing. The New York State Police successfully infiltrated the ring and, through meticulous undercover work, conducted multiple controlled sales totaling $23,000 in test goods. Each transaction confirmed the operation’s scope and structure. The surveillance of the Guzmans’ Kew Gardens home, a Fresh Meadows apartment, and a Briarwood location culminated in a multi-location raid yielding over 50,000 stolen retail items worth more than $1 million. Brands included Dior, Fenty, Prada, Anthropologie, and Victoria’s Secret—highlighting the ring’s access to premium merchandise and their ability to move it quickly. In addition to the stolen goods, investigators seized ledgers, a money counter, a label maker, and two ghost-gun kits—evidence of a broader criminal enterprise with both economic and public safety implications. The timing of the bust—just before Black Friday—sent a powerful message to retailers and consumers alike: organized theft will be met with equally organized justice. This case showcased extraordinary interagency collaboration, undercover precision, and strategic prosecution. For its complexity, cross-border implications, and societal impact, this investigation merits distinction as Investigation of the Year.