It's a relatively common thing for criminals to do, and is known as a 'long firm': http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_firm

1) Run a legit business for a few months

2) Build up credit history with suppliers

3) After a while, buy a huge amount of stock on credit

4) Sell all of the stock for cash at massive discounts

5) Disappear with the cash, leaving a pile of unpaid debt in your wake