Federal authorities have dismantled one of the largest catalytic‑converter theft networks ever uncovered in the United States, announcing guilty pleas and sweeping arrests tied to a multimillion‑dollar black‑market operation that stretched across numerous states.

According to federal court documents, the ringleader — identified as Navin Khanna of Holmdel, New Jersey — admitted to purchasing stolen catalytic converters from across the country and reselling them to metal refineries for extraordinary profit. Prosecutors say Khanna’s operation generated more than $600 million in revenue by funneling thousands of stolen converters through his business, DG Auto.

A Coast‑to‑Coast Criminal Pipeline

Investigators say the theft ring relied on a network of thieves, middlemen, and processors operating in California, Oklahoma, Texas, New Jersey, New York, and several other states, coordinating shipments of stolen converters weighing more than 1,000 pounds at a time. Many of the parts came from high‑value vehicles such as the Toyota Prius, whose converters can fetch over $1,200 each on the black market due to their precious‑metal content.

Federal agents executed more than 32 search warrants nationwide, seizing millions of dollars in cash, luxury vehicles, jewelry, gold bars, and over 200 pallets of catalytic converters. In total, 21 individuals across multiple states were arrested or charged in connection with the conspiracy.

Why Catalytic Converters Are Targeted

Catalytic converters contain rare metals — including rhodium, palladium, and platinum — which have surged in value in recent years. Thieves can remove a converter in one to two minutes, leaving victims with repair bills that often exceed $1,000 to $3,000. Local police departments nationwide have reported dramatic spikes in thefts since 2018.

Local Cases Tied to Larger Network

Authorities in California say the federal takedown highlights how local thefts often feed into national criminal pipelines. In Rancho Cordova, police recently arrested a suspect linked to multiple converter thefts and recovered stolen parts, burglary tools, narcotics, and firearms. Investigators noted that while the suspect was not directly tied to the Khanna operation, the case illustrates how regional thefts can connect to broader networks.

Federal Officials Respond

Attorney General Merrick Garland said the coordinated takedown demonstrates the Justice Department’s commitment to disrupting criminal enterprises that “hurt victims across the country.” FBI Director Christopher Wray added that the theft ring “made hundreds of millions of dollars on the backs of thousands of innocent car owners.”

Khanna faces sentencing in federal court, where prosecutors are seeking forfeiture of more than $545 million in assets connected to the scheme.

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