The Arizona Department of Public Safety DPS held a press conference on Monday to share information about a criminal group that was stealing expensive cars in the Phoenix area using advanced methods. The stolen cars were smuggled into Mexico to support the activities of criminal organizations.
Thanks to the hard work of the DPS vehicle theft task force, 22 high-end vehicles worth about $1.4 million were recovered.
Four suspects — Jorge Aguilar, Andrew Reyes, Luis Rodriguez, and Douglas Zelaya — were charged with multiple serious offenses related to the theft and illegal transportation of the vehicles into Mexico. These charges include theft, trafficking stolen property, running a chop shop, and forgery. Reyes is also facing weapon-related charges.
The investigation began on October 2nd when the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office contacted the DPS vehicle theft task force about a stolen truck. A suspect was seen with a military-grade weapon outside a home in Waddell.
This led to a months-long investigation, which uncovered a network using advanced technology to steal expensive trucks.
Vehicle theft is a major issue in Arizona, often linked to violent and organized crime. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell emphasized that her office will hold those involved in organized crime accountable and will continue to fight against these criminal enterprises.