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.”