The recent theft of 22 tonnes of luxury cheese from a UK dairy farm highlights a troubling trend in food-related crime, particularly targeting high-value items like artisanal cheese. Often likened to a ‘heist’, the incident involved an elaborate scheme where criminals impersonated buyers. The global cheese industry faces growing theft and counterfeiting risks, driven by rising prices and the allure of premium products. Experts warn that organized crime networks are increasingly infiltrating food supply chains, making stolen luxury cheese a profitable commodity for black markets, particularly in sanctioned countries like Russia.