The Michigan Attorney General recently announced the arrests of six people in what it calls a "prolific auto theft ring". Those arrested are allegedly part of an alleged criminal organization responsible for the theft of over 400 vehicles worth approximately $8 million in Southeast Michigan.
The Michigan AG's office shared the news in a press release earlier this month:
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel announced six FORCE Team arrests against members of an alleged criminal organization responsible for the theft of over 400 vehicles worth approximately $8 million in Southeast Michigan.
The alleged criminal ring targets new vehicle storage lots at manufacturing facilities, car dealerships, parking lots, and individual residences. The operation is alleged to have operated in over 40 jurisdictions in Oakland, Washtenaw, Macomb, and Wayne counties, with other instances occurring in Eaton and Kent counties.
The Department alleges stolen vehicles are sold exponentially below market value on the black market to buyers seeking unregistered vehicles. Stolen vehicles have been linked to armed robberies, weapons offenses, felony evasion of police, car-jackings, murder, and attempted murder. The group is suspected of using countersurveillance to steal vehicles quickly and efficiently, allegedly shooting at officers and ramming security vehicles if confronted.
“The activities of criminal organizations like these go far beyond theft,” Nessel said. “They cause millions in financial losses to our retail partners, sow fear, and endanger lives. Vehicles stolen as part of this criminal enterprise go on to become tools in violence, posing additional threats to public safety. I commend the hard work of the FORCE Team, Troy Police Department, and other local law enforcement agencies to investigate and dismantle this operation.”
Troy Police Department, investigating this crime ring since August of last year, partnered with the FORCE Team in early 2024 to bring down this expansive criminal organization. The investigation has been aided by the efforts of local police agencies, including the municipal police departments of Auburn Hills, Canton, Dearborn, Detroit, Eastpointe, Farmington Hills, Lansing, Livonia, Novi, Roseville, Royal Oak, Sterling Heights, Southfield, Walled Lake, and Warren, as well as the Oakland County Auto Theft Group and Macomb County Auto Theft Unit.
“I am extremely proud of the work that has been done by my staff and all of the participating agencies to arrest and prosecute these violent and reckless criminals,” said Troy Police Chief Frank Nastasi. “Auto theft has been a significant crime trend in our region that has impacted both the residents and many community stakeholders. In addition to the economic impact of auto theft, the violent and reckless manner in which these individuals operated put all of us in danger. I deeply appreciate the work of each of the officers on the frontline yesterday morning as they stepped up to protect the residents of the State of Michigan. I also thank the States Attorney General’s Office for their guidance and resources during this complex investigation.”
For more details, read the entire press release here.
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