How A Surf Filmmaker Helped Expose A Criminal Ring

Click here to read ‘International Crime Syndicate Steals Millions From California Surfers, Gets Caught By Local Vigilantes’

And, click here to read ‘How (Not) To Hide Your Key While Surfing’

Police say an organized crime ring targeted Southern California surfers, stealing phones and wallets to drain bank accounts and max out credit cards. @nickwattcnn reports. pic.twitter.com/IuTEypccp5

— Anderson Cooper 360° (@AC360) March 26, 2025

Just over a month ago, when we published a story about an international crime syndicate fleecing surfers in California, we pointed out that mainstream media hadn’t even touched the subject.

Well, that’s changed. The story (and Stab) has now reached CNN and aired as a segment on Anderson Cooper 360º. Not only does the piece break down the sophisticated scheme, but it also features dramatic reenactments of how the gang operated. You get a step-by-step look at how these criminals scoped out surfers, snatched their keys, and wiped their financial lives clean in minutes.

Surf filmmaker and Snapt mastermind Logan Dulien became an unexpected detective after losing $150,000 in a matter of hours. With a mix of security footage, social media, and sheer determination, he and others in the surf community helped bring the thieves to justice. In the video, he unpacks how he took matters into his own hands, and the reenactments make for a guilty pleasure — especially for those less inclined to read the full article.

If the idea of reading an eight-minute article feels like too much commitment (we get it, TikTok has ruined our attention spans), this video is the perfect alternative — or companion.

For those who do want the full story, our article remains essential reading.

Watch it, share it, remember that your tire isn’t a safe, and don’t forget to watch Snapt5 when it comes out.