A Federal Way man has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Seattle for his role in a scheme to sell stolen goods online, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Vitaliy F. Bobak, 53, admitted to conspiracy to transport stolen property in interstate commerce.
Bobak and co-defendant Andrey A. Balun, 58, jointly owned MBA Trading LLC, which operated as “We Buy Gold, Silver, and Electronics” at a Burien storefront. Law enforcement found that the business knowingly purchased goods stolen from area retailers and then sold them on Amazon or eBay for significant profit.
According to court records and the plea agreement, Bobak had co-owned the business since 2020. He acknowledged buying over-the-counter medications and health and beauty products from sellers he knew had stolen them. Many items still had anti-theft devices or retailer-specific stickers attached when purchased by Bobak’s business.
The operation posted these goods for sale through two online stores: “Medikus” on Amazon and “abcstore555” on eBay. Investigators traced proceeds from these sales into bank accounts controlled by Bobak and Balun. The money was used to pay those who stole the goods—referred to as “boosters”—and employees responsible for posting and shipping items sold online. Remaining profits were withdrawn by the men for personal use; one example cited is Bobak spending $66,000 in cash on a new Lexus vehicle.
Between 2021 and June 2023, the operation generated more than $4.5 million in revenue.
The plea agreement describes specific examples of stolen merchandise resold through their stores: a Braun electric shaver shipped to Rhode Island; a Keurig coffee maker sent to Oregon; as well as Sonicare and Rogaine products bought from a booster. Security devices were removed using tools such as torch lighters and drills before resale.
Analysis showed that between January 1, 2022, and November 28, 2023, there were over 150,000 transactions via abcstore555 on eBay and Medikus on Amazon combined. When authorities executed search warrants on December 19, 2023, they seized more than 74,000 items valued at approximately $2.4 million from the conspirators’ possession; after this seizure the business ceased operations.
Bobak admitted he personally obtained at least $1 million in proceeds from the scheme and agreed to forfeit that amount as part of his plea deal with prosecutors.
“Conspiracy to transport stolen property is punishable by up to five years in prison.”
Bobak’s sentencing is set for December 3, 2025.
Balun faces trial before U.S. District Judge Tana Lin beginning February 23, 2026; charges against him remain allegations until proven otherwise in court.
The investigation was led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), with support from local police departments including Renton Police Department and Seattle Police Department as well as assistance from IRS agents and investigators representing various retailers involved in the case.
Assistant United States Attorney Sean Waite is prosecuting along with Asset Forfeiture Assistant United States Attorney Krista Bush.
