Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com confirmed a burglary at its warehouse near Paris on Monday, with French authorities launching an investigation into an organized theft. Reports suggest over 50,000 electronic items were stolen, though the company disputes claims of heavy losses. Operations have resumed normally amid the Christmas shopping rush.
On Monday (December 23), a burglary struck a JD.com warehouse in the northern Paris suburb of Dugny, casting a shadow over the Chinese e-commerce giant's first Christmas shopping season in France. A judicial source confirmed that French authorities have opened an investigation on charges of theft by an organized gang. Suspects disabled the warehouse's internal video surveillance system, with investigators analyzing footage from external cameras.
French media reported that the thieves stole more than 50,000 items, including Honor and Oppo phones, tablets, laptops, and earphones, with losses estimated as high as €37 million (US$43.59 million). However, the anonymous source noted that as a full inventory is still underway, 'the composition of the loot and the amount of the damage are not currently known.'
A JD.com spokesperson said the company is 'fully cooperating' with authorities as the probe progresses, and warehouse operations are 'continuing as normal.' Earlier unverified reports claimed significant losses, but JD responded on Tuesday night that the disclosed figures 'differ substantially from the actual situation.' The firm also highlighted that it has established more than 130 overseas warehouses across 23 countries and regions in recent years, all operating in compliance with local laws.
The incident occurred during the peak Christmas shopping period, with Dugny serving as a midpoint between central Paris and the main freight hub at Charles de Gaulle Airport. It underscores security challenges for e-commerce firms expanding abroad.
