Major Luxury Car Theft Ring Busted in New York and New Jersey
In a joint operation, law enforcement agencies from New York and New Jersey have dismantled a large-scale luxury car theft ring, recovering a total of $3.65 million worth of stolen vehicles, including high-end models such as BMW, Rolls-Royce, Mercedes, and Land Rover.
According to the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office, 11 individuals have been charged in connection with the organized theft ring. The group specifically targeted premium car models, stealing them from residential areas in Burlington, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex, and Morris counties, and then transporting them to parking lots in the Bronx, New York, to avoid detection.
From Suburban Homes to Export Containers
What’s notable is the brazen nature of some of the thefts, which occurred right in people’s homes. In one instance, thieves broke into an occupied home to steal the electronic key for a 2024 BMW X5 worth approximately $89,000. In another incident, the group burglarized a residence, making off with a 2024 BMW X7, a 2021 Audi SQ8, $400 in cash, a driver’s license, a Gucci handbag, and two designer wallets.
The total value of cars stolen during these home invasions is estimated to be around $542,000. However, this is just a fraction of the larger criminal enterprise.
Authorities discovered 43 stolen vehicles from New Jersey, valued at a total of $3.65 million, hidden in two parking lots on Jennings Street and Third Avenue in the Bronx. Some of the cars were already loaded into containers, ready to be shipped to West African countries.
The Bronx Turns into an Underground “Showroom” for Stolen Cars
New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin expressed concern over the impact of these crimes on residents, stating, “No one should have to live in fear of being burglarized in the middle of the night because of their car.” Meanwhile, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark shed light on the extent of the operation, saying, “Millions of dollars’ worth of stolen vehicles, including a $475,000 Rolls-Royce, were stored in a parking lot that the criminals used as an underground showroom.” She emphasized, “We will not tolerate car theft in the Bronx.”
Organized Crime with Teenage Involvement
The investigation also uncovered the involvement of both teenagers and adults in this criminal enterprise. Two key figures in the organization, known only by the aliases “E” and “Big G,” remain unidentified. “Big G” is facing multiple serious charges, including operating a stolen car network, money laundering, theft, and other organized criminal activities.
PV (Tuoitrethudo)
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