Two Men Charged Operating Chop Shop in Wayne County

Mohamad El-Hadi, owner of Hadi's Cash for Cars in Wayne County, Michigan, and his employee Dani Mourad have been charged with operating a chop shop and receiving or concealing stolen vehicles after authorities found at least three stolen cars crushed in their tow yard. El-Hadi faces charges including operating a chop shop, which carries up to 10 years in prison, and three counts of receiving and concealing stolen motor vehicles, each with up to five years, while Mourad faces charges for receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle. Both men were arraigned in the 29th District Court and released on bonds of $25,000 and $15,000 respectively, with their next court appearance scheduled for August 18. Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel emphasized that the case was part of a broader effort by the state's Auto Fraud Task Force to combat vehicle theft and chop shop operations by embedding prosecutors within the Michigan State Police. The investigation uncovered stolen vehicles including a 2009 Kia Sorrento, a 2013 Honda Odyssey, and a 2017 Buick Encore, which were found crushed on the property. Mourad is also accused of participating in the pickup of at least one stolen vehicle, highlighting the alleged criminal activity within the business.