New digital gold mine: Data centers in the crosshairs of criminal networks

The explosive growth of artificial intelligence is driving up the value of computer components. Globally, and particularly in Europe and the United States—where investments amount to tens of billions of euros— data centers have become the new gold mines for criminal networks.

And to bypass the security of these massive digital infrastructures, thieves are now primarily targeting the weak links in the supply chain: deliveries.

This phenomenon of freight theft, which is particularly widespread in the United States, results in spectacular attacks. The financial impact? According to the Department of Homeland Security, it amounts to $35 billion annually in the U.S., compared to 8.2 billion euros in Europe, according to data from the TAPA association. Recently, thefts of semi-trailers carrying copper and IT equipment destined for these data centers have increased, with hauls ranging from $1 million to $5 million per operation.

Artificial Intelligence at the service of thieves

Ironically, to pull off their heists, criminals are using the very technologies they intend to steal. Generative AI enables them to orchestrate sophisticated cyberattacks to more easily infiltrate carriers’ databases.

“In the past, they would simply break a padlock, break into a truck, and drive off with the loot,” says Emily Williams, vice president of the freight company Geotab. “Today, criminals use generative AI to automate the sending of phishing emails to gain access to shipping companies’ data and employees’ identities. Once inside the system, they know when and where the most valuable shipments are being sent. They then pose as legitimate delivery drivers using fake identities, or win contracts by offering lower prices than the competition.”

This increasing professionalism is radically changing the face of highway crime. According to CargoNet, revenue from these thefts surged by 60% in 2025 in North America. This phenomenon is not due to an increase in the number of attacks, but rather because the average value of the loot rose by 36%.

"These criminals are good at marketing," says Keith Lewis, director of operations at Verisk CargoNet ( a risk assessment expert). He notes that criminal operations are“so much more strategic these days,” focusing more on “what has value and what they know they can sell.”“The emergence of data centers has played a role in this, since many of the components used in them are being stolen: server racks, RAM, copper…,” he explains.

How should we respond?

To combat this form of modern crime, security measures must keep pace and incorporate onboard cameras, sensors, and real-time tracking software. The priority is to unify security tools and equipment to eliminate technical vulnerabilities.

“The current problem is fragmentation,” explains Emily Williams. “When you manage a fleet of vehicles, their trailers, and their security using several separate systems, you create blind spots that thieves know how to exploit.”