Attorney General Announces Charges Against 11 Members of International High-Value Car Theft Ring

Collaborative Investigation by Law Enforcement in New Jersey and New York Results in Racketeering Charges Against an Enterprise Alleged to Have Burglarized Homes to Further Their Theft

For Immediate Release: April 25, 2025

Office of the Attorney General
– Matthew J. Platkin, Attorney General
Division of Criminal Justice
– Theresa L. Hilton, Director

For Further Information:

Media Inquiries-
Matthew Reilly
OAGpress@njoag.gov

TRENTON — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice announced charges today against 11 people for their roles in an auto theft ring that allegedly targeted high-end vehicles, burglarized homes to get the key fobs needed to steal the cars, stored the vehicles in parking garages in the Bronx, New York, and eventually shipped them to West African countries.

Promoters or organizers of the enterprise allegedly identified their targets – including Land Rovers, Mercedes Benzes, and BMWs – for theft crews that would allegedly then steal the vehicles. Investigators identified 43 stolen New Jersey vehicles valued at approximately $3.65 million in two parking garages on Jennings Street and Third Avenue in the Bronx.

“While car thefts in New Jersey have decreased significantly over the past year and have continued to decrease in 2025, we are committed to reducing them further. This case is about more than just the theft of vehicles, it is about stealing people’s sense of security and safety,” said Attorney General Platkin. “No one should be afraid that a thief will enter their home while they are sleeping to find their key fobs to steal their car, as is alleged in this case. So, we are working collaboratively to use every tool we have to return that sense of safety and security to our communities – including new laws, new technology, and information sharing between law enforcement agencies and between states to shut down car theft operations.”

“This is a case that shows what can be done when we work with our law enforcement partners at every level,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “This was a complex criminal enterprise that specifically targeted and stole high end vehicles to be shipped to overseas buyers. Working together, we were able to charge these defendants with serious crimes carrying lengthy prison sentencing exposure.”

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