Car thieves stole $2.5 million in luxury cars, rented them on an app: Police

Arizona authorities recovered $2.5 million in stolen luxury cars tied to an international theft ring, arresting three suspects in "Operation Escalating Switch." — Image credit: Arizona Department of Public Safety

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Summary

Luxury car ring bust

Arizona law enforcement recovered 29 stolen luxury vehicles worth nearly $2.5 million during "Operation Escalating Switch."

Allegations

Authorities say suspects altered VIN numbers and rented the cars on Turo, linking the scheme to an international criminal network.

Arrests

Three people from Glendale were arrested and face multiple felony charges.

Full story

Three suspects were arrested for allegedly stealing dozens of high-end luxury vehicles and then renting them out on a car-sharing app. Arizona law enforcement recovered 29 stolen vehicles valued at nearly $2.5 million in a coordinated effort called “Operation Escalating Switch,” authorities with the Arizona Department of Public Safety announced Thursday.

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Sophisticated theft ring uncovered

The agency said the Vehicle Theft Task Force obtained warrants to search seven different locations, which resulted in the seizure of not only the vehicles but also weapons and cash linked to a “sophisticated” theft ring.

Authorities said the group was fast and organized. They targeted expensive, luxury vehicles, such as BMWs, Aston Martins, Mercedes-Benzes, Corvettes and others. The suspects then allegedly changed the vehicles’ VIN numbers, making it harder to trace the cars back to their rightful owners or flag them as stolen.

Stolen cars rented on Turo

Once a car’s identity was altered, it was listed for rent on Turo, a car-sharing app. Investigators said sometimes, this entire process took place within one week of the vehicle being stolen.

The money made from this scheme was traced to bank accounts in multiple countries, suggesting the ring was international and potentially part of a larger criminal network.

Three from Glendale arrested

Officers arrested three individuals from Glendale: Ali Ahmad, 29; Delia Rocha, 32; and Mario Garcia Rodriguez, 33. All are facing multiple felony charges.

Ahmad was arrested and booked into the Maricopa County jail with a $250,000 cash-only bond. Rocha was booked on a $25,000 cash-only bond, according to KTVK News. Prosecutors argued that all suspects are flight risks due to their international connections.

AZDPS praises teamwork

“This operation is a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement and the dedication of our Vehicle Theft Task Force,” said Colonel Jeffrey Glover, director of the Arizona Department of Public Safety, in a statement. “We are committed to protecting Arizona’s communities, and this takedown sends a strong message to those engaged in organized crime.”

Tags: Arizona, BMW, cars, Crime

Why this story matters

The dismantling of an alleged luxury vehicle theft ring that rented stolen cars on a car-sharing platform raises concerns about public safety, the security of digital marketplaces, and international organized crime.

Organized crime

Authorities attribute the vehicle thefts and fraudulent rentals to a sophisticated criminal network with international ties, highlighting the ongoing threat of organized crime in cross-border illegal activities.

Public safety and consumer protection

The operation addresses risks to individuals using car-sharing apps like Turo, as unsuspecting renters could unknowingly rent stolen vehicles, raising questions about consumer safety and safeguards online.

Law enforcement collaboration

The Arizona Department of Public Safety and its partners coordinated efforts to investigate, recover vehicles, and apprehend suspects, demonstrating the critical role of inter-agency cooperation in combating complex crimes.