A Federal Way man has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Seattle to a conspiracy charge involving the sale of stolen goods online, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Vitaliy F. Bobak, 53, admitted to participating in a scheme that trafficked millions of dollars’ worth of stolen merchandise through Amazon and eBay.
Bobak co-owned MBA Trading LLC with Andrey A. Balun, operating out of a Burien storefront known as “We Buy Gold, Silver, and Electronics.” Investigators found that the business knowingly purchased items stolen from local retailers and then sold them for profit on Amazon under the store name “Medikus” and on eBay as “abcstore555.”
According to court records, Bobak’s activities began in 2020. He bought mostly over-the-counter medications and health or beauty products from individuals he knew were selling stolen goods. Many items still had anti-theft devices or retailer-specific labels attached when acquired by the business. The pair purchased these goods at prices well below retail value before reselling them online.
Prosecutors said the money generated from sales was deposited into accounts controlled by Bobak and Balun, which was then used to pay those who stole the merchandise—referred to as "boosters"—as well as employees responsible for listing and shipping products. Some proceeds were withdrawn for personal use; one example cited is Bobak’s $66,000 cash purchase of a Lexus vehicle.
Between 2021 and June 2023, the operation generated more than $4.5 million in revenue.
The plea agreement lists specific examples: a Braun electric shaver sold to Rhode Island, a Keurig coffee maker shipped to Oregon, and Sonicare and Rogaine products obtained from a booster—all processed through their online platforms after removing security devices using tools such as torch lighters and drills.
Authorities described the scale of sales as both national and international. From January 1, 2022 through November 28, 2023 there were more than 150,000 transactions via abcstore555 on eBay and Medikus on Amazon. When law enforcement executed search warrants on December 19, 2023 they seized over 74,000 items valued at roughly $2.4 million; following this seizure the business ceased operations.
Bobak acknowledged receiving at least $1 million in proceeds personally and agreed to forfeit this amount as part of his plea deal.
Conspiracy to transport stolen property across state lines carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison.
Bobak’s sentencing is scheduled for December 3, 2025.
Balun is set for jury trial before U.S. District Judge Tana Lin on February 23, 2026; he remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt in court.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation with assistance from Renton Police Department, Seattle Police Department, IRS agents and retail investigators. Assistant United States Attorney Sean Waite along with Asset Forfeiture Assistant United States Attorney Krista Bush are prosecuting the case.
