Kentucky officials say a gang of nine whisked away more whiskey than they could consume in a lifetime, including some of the most prestigious brands on the planet.
About $100,000 worth of booze booty was recovered in the statewide sting, which, investigators claim, involved rogue distillery workers and inside jobs dating as far back as 2008.
Kentucky proudly produces almost 95-percent of the world's bourbon, at least according to boasts from the Kentucky Distillers' Association.
That astounding stat, coupled with the fact that the state’s production has nearly doubled this century, is what most likely emboldened the bourbon burglars to believe their thievery wouldn’t be noticed.
The shrewd crew reportedly covered up their routine heists by altering computerized inventory lists. Then, according to prosecutors, the liquor loot was swiftly unloaded for sums “well below" retail value.
The overall cleverness of their well organized racket means they can now expect to be additionally charged with RICO violations -- a federal offense.
