New Jersey Officials Arrest 11 in International Car Theft Ring

Authorities in New Jersey have dismantled an international auto theft ring, arresting 11 individuals accused of breaking into homes across several counties to steal high-end vehicles such as BMWs, Mercedes Benzes, and Land Rovers. The stolen cars, valued at approximately $3.65 million, were stored in Bronx parking garages before being shipped through Port Elizabeth and Staten Island to West African countries. Investigators recovered 43 vehicles from shipping containers at the ports, with evidence showing that members of the ring communicated about specific car models and prices via text messages. The thefts targeted homes in townships like West Caldwell, Edison, and Pompton Plains, often involving residential burglaries to obtain vehicle key fobs. Those arrested face first-degree charges, including racketeering, with potential prison sentences of 17 years or more. Authorities note that while the vehicles can be replaced, the crimes have deeply impacted the victims' sense of security.