The U.S. House of Representatives has passed the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), a move hailed by the grocery industry as a critical step in addressing the surge of organized theft. Leading trade groups, including the National Grocers Association (NGA) and FMI – The Food Industry Association, praised the legislation for its potential to protect customers, secure supply chains, and curb the rising costs passed on to consumers.
Strengthening Federal Enforcement
The 2025 Act significantly expands federal authority to prosecute criminal organizations targeting retailers. Key provisions include:
- Aggregated Prosecution: Authorities can now prosecute based on the total value of stolen goods accumulated over a 12-month period, rather than individual incidents.
- Money Laundering & Forfeiture: The bill classifies retail and supply chain theft as “predicate offenses” for money laundering, allowing the government to seize property and assets obtained through these crimes.
- Gift Card Oversight: Federal money laundering statutes will now include the illicit use of prepaid cards and gift cards.
- A Centralized Response: The bill establishes a coordination center within the Department of Homeland Security to synchronize federal, state, and local law enforcement efforts.
Related Article: New NRF Study: Retail Theft Levels Keep Rising
Industry Leaders Speak Out
For independent grocers operating on “razor-thin margins,” the passage of this bill is seen as a lifeline for “Main Street” businesses.
“Organized retail crime is not a victimless crime. It threatens employees, raises costs for consumers, and disrupts local businesses,” said Stephanie Johnson, NGA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs. “This legislation provides stronger tools to help law enforcement crack down on sophisticated theft operations.”
The NGA, which formally supported the bill in a letter to the House, emphasized that the average grocery profit margin of 1.5% makes it nearly impossible for independent stores to absorb the costs of increased security and loss prevention.
Jennifer Hatcher, Chief Public Policy Officer at FMI, noted that the timing of the vote coincides with the industry’s annual Asset Protection & Grocery Resilience Conference.
“FMI applauds the House for this bipartisan action,” Hatcher stated. “This legislation will help ensure the safety of customers and associates while reducing the impact of theft on grocery prices. We call on the Senate to pass CORCA in short order to send it to President Trump’s desk.”
According to the National Retail Federation’s “The Impact of Theft & Violence 2025” report, more than half of retailers surveyed reported increases in phone scams (70%), digital and ecommerce frauds (55%), shoplifting and merchandise theft (52%), and cargo or supply chain thefts (50%) being conducted by ORC groups over the past 12 months.
What’s Next?
Following the House victory, the bill moves to the Senate. If passed, it will head to the White House for the President’s signature, marking the most significant federal effort to date to dismantle the infrastructure of organized retail theft.