Lululemon Theft Ring Exposed: Police Link Organized Crime to $175K in Stolen Gear

A network of organized retail criminals behind a massive theft ring targeting Lululemon stores across B.C. has been exposed in RCMP and court documents, detailing how prolific shoplifters were allegedly directed by traffickers to steal high-demand items — some of which were sold in global resale markets.

At the centre of the investigation is Manishkumar Sureshbhai Patel, a Burnaby man charged last year in a fencing operation, and Yawen Zeng, a Surrey woman accused of playing a key role in distributing stolen goods.

Despite his charges, police say Patel continued placing detailed "orders" with shoplifters, including Minh Ngoc Ta, directing them to steal specific Lululemon leggings and jackets.

$175K in Goods Found in Home

In March, police raided Zeng’s home and uncovered $175,000 worth of stolen Lululemon gear, Chanel cosmetics, and bulk gift cards. A bag containing $5,000 in cash was also seized from her vehicle.

Zeng has not been criminally charged but is now the subject of a civil forfeiture lawsuit, which alleges her home was partly paid for with crime proceeds. A Lululemon asset protection specialist helped RCMP scan clothing tags to confirm the items were stolen.

According to investigators, Zeng discussed global retail pricing on WhatsApp, suggesting she had knowledge of international resale markets and a role in coordinating the thefts.

Repeated Thefts, Revolving Bail

The investigation began when police tracked Minh Ngoc Ta, who allegedly hit one Lululemon location five times in one week last December. Despite being arrested multiple times over six months, he was repeatedly released — until failing to appear in May. He now faces 24 theft charges.

Court records also link Patel to other prolific shoplifters, including Amber Cristina Rolston and Aaron Knight, a Surrey couple banned from every Lululemon store in B.C. Both are now back in custody.

“There’s really high frequency here. And a high value,” said a prosecutor, describing how Rolston once stole $16,000 in leggings from a single store.

Despite expressing remorse in court, Rolston was caught stealing again just four days after her last release.

Company and Police Respond

Lululemon declined to comment on legal proceedings but said it has ramped up efforts to fight thefts.

“We’ve strengthened collaboration between our asset protection team and local law enforcement,” a spokesperson said. “Reported incidents have seen a significant decline this year.”

Authorities say the case highlights ongoing issues with bail enforcement and repeat offenders, especially in complex retail crime rings.

“These are not victimless crimes,” Judge Patricia Stark told Rolston in court. “People do suffer — employees, store owners, and customers alike.”