The Denver District Attorney’s Office has filed charges against 17 individuals involved in a large-scale vehicle theft ring responsible for stealing nearly 200 vehicles across the Denver metro area. The stolen cars, primarily pickup trucks and SUVs, were targeted from Denver International Airport and nearby hotel parking lots.
Denver District Attorney Beth McCann highlighted the importance of fighting auto theft, particularly since the COVID-19 pandemic began. “Whether it’s one car or 190, we are committed to holding those responsible accountable,” McCann said at a press conference.
This auto theft operation, which began in September 2022, was allegedly orchestrated by the Sinaloa cartel in Mexico. The cartel modified the stolen vehicles, installing ballistic armor and using them to transport illegal drugs, including cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, back into the Denver area.
David Olesky, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in Denver, described the crime ring as a “sophisticated, multi-million-dollar criminal operation, more like something from a Hollywood film than a typical theft ring.”
Coordinated Efforts Lead to 17 Indictments:
Federal, state, and local agencies joined forces to track down and charge the suspects. The Denver Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit and the Colorado Metro Area Auto Theft Task Force identified and dismantled multiple cells operating in the region. Further cooperation with Homeland Security Investigations-Denver and DEA offices in Mexico helped take down the criminal network.
Authorities pointed out the dangers posed by the cartel’s operations. “These individuals were part of an international, multi-crime organization that posed serious threats to public safety across multiple states,” said Tim Linzen of Homeland Security Investigations.
Economic and Victim Impact:
The auto theft ring is believed to have caused approximately $9.5 million in damages to vehicle owners. Lt. Col. Joshua Downing from the Colorado State Patrol explained the impact on victims, stating, “These thefts disrupted people’s ability to get to work, take their kids to school, and go about their daily lives.”
While Colorado was once the top state in the nation for auto theft per capita, it has since dropped out of the number one spot. However, Ken Prost from the National Insurance Crime Bureau noted that the state remains in the top 10 for auto theft rates in the U.S.
How the Theft Ring Operated:
Investigators revealed that the thieves used advanced tactics to steal vehicles, including key fob tools that bypassed security systems. Most vehicles were taken from Denver International Airport and nearby hotels, then driven to Texas, where they were smuggled across the border into Mexico.
In one successful case, a vehicle owner used a tracking device to help authorities track his stolen truck. Officers intercepted the vehicle before it crossed into Mexico.
Preventing Future Thefts:
In response to the rising number of thefts, Denver International Airport has ramped up security, installing additional cameras and physical barriers in its parking lots. Local hotels have also increased their security efforts to prevent further vehicle thefts.
Conclusion:
The indictment and dismantling of this vehicle theft operation represent a significant victory in the ongoing fight against organized crime in Colorado. With 17 individuals facing charges related to auto theft, drug trafficking, and racketeering, authorities hope that these efforts will further reduce car theft in the state.
Source: CBS News