Irving man arrested as Plano police get well $42,000 money in gaming theft ring

PLANO, Texas – A multi-agency investigation right into a regional retail theft ring has resulted within the arrest of a suspect and the restoration of greater than $100,000 in stolen property, in response to Plano police.

“Operation Mario Kart”

The backstory:

The monthslong initiative, dubbed “Operation Mario Kart,” ended on March 5 when officers executed a search and arrest warrant at a house in Irving. During the raid, investigators seized $42,000 in money and a large cache of stolen items valued at greater than six figures.

The investigation started in 2025 after Plano Police Detective A. Cole started trying into what seemed to be a routine theft of roughly $2,500 in gaming electronics and equipment.

According to the division, the investigation pivoted when detectives decided the objects have been being stolen for a “fence.” A “fence” is a person who buys stolen property to resell for revenue.

The case expanded right into a large-scale operation involving the Plano Police General Crimes and Special Investigative Services items, the Texas Department of Public Safety, and the Allen Police Department. Private sector companions, together with Nintendo of America and loss prevention groups from Walmart, Target, and Kroger, additionally assisted in figuring out the suspect.

What they’re saying:

“Investigations of this scale are only possible through strong cooperation and shared commitment,” the Plano Police Department stated in an announcement. “Due to their hard work, a major organized retail theft suspect has been taken off the streets.”

The suspect, whose title has not but been launched, faces costs of organized retail theft.

PlanoIrvingCrime and Public Safety