(CNN) Russian troops in the occupied city of Melitopol have stolen all the equipment from a farm equipment dealership -- and shipped it to Chechnya, according to a Ukrainian businessman in the area.
But after a journey of more than 700 miles, the thieves were unable to use any of the equipment -- because it had been locked remotely.
Over the past few weeks there's been a growing number of reports of Russian troops stealing farm equipment, grain and even building materials - beyond widespread looting of residences. But the removal of valuable agricultural equipment from a John Deere dealership in Melitopol speaks to an increasingly organized operation, one that even uses Russian military transport as part of the heist.
CNN has learned that the equipment was removed from an Agrotek dealership in Melitopol, which has been occupied by Russian forces since early March. Altogether it's valued at nearly $5 million. The combine harvesters alone are worth $300,000 each.
CNN is not naming a contact in Melitopol familiar with the details of the case for their own safety.
betteroff80s on May 1st, 2022 at 19:18 UTC »
Vehicle electronics expert here. By far the most common black market access software for vehicles that I’ve seen is done by Russians. It’s sold online if you know where to look and for a while you could even buy it on eBay, maybe you still can. The rest of the world gives no care for John Deere or whoever’s proprietary access, intellectual property rights or legal repercussions.
ShakeMyHeadSadly on May 1st, 2022 at 18:18 UTC »
"But the removal of valuable agricultural equipment from a John Deere dealership in Melitopol speaks to an increasingly organized operation, one that even uses Russian military transport as part of the heist."
And a heist is all this ever was..............................
mdonaberger on May 1st, 2022 at 17:14 UTC »
I.... suppose this is the upside to John Deere making every aspect of their products proprietary and non-user repairable.