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A Rowlett, Texas couple, Tommy and Maggie Chau were arrested on Wednesday for large-scale catalytic converters theft. And booked into the Dallas County jail. Federal prosecutors are charging each with Engaging in Organized Criminal Activity. And both are currently being held on $75,000 bonds.

Federal, state, and local law enforcement executed a nationwide, coordinated takedown of the alleged theft ring. The crime network is accused of operating across nine states. And the alleged conspiracy involves stolen catalytic converters from cars.

Some of the catalytic converters were sold to a metal refinery for tens of millions of dollars. Others were sold as parts for resell to primarily to DG Auto through online apps.

There have been 21 arrests in California, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, and Virginia. 

Two separate indictments were unsealed this week in the Eastern District of California and the Northern District of Oklahoma.

Over 32 search warrants were executed, and law enforcement was able to seize assets worth tens of millions of dollars. This includes bank accounts, cash, homes, and high-end vehicles.

  Attorney General Merrick B. Garland said, “Amidst a rise in catalytic converter thefts across the country, the Justice Department has today carried out an operation arresting 21 defendants and executing 32 search warrants in a nationwide takedown of a multimillion-dollar catalytic converter theft network. We will continue to work alongside our state and local partners to disrupt criminal conspiracies like this one that targets the American people.”

The US Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Oklahoma issued a statement claiming the United States is seeking forfeiture of over $545 million connected to the case.

What are catalytic converters?

Catalytic converters are part of every car’s exhaust system since the mid-1970s. They convert engine-exhaust pollutants into carbon dioxide, nitrogen, and water vapor which are less harmful to the environment. The conversion process depends on three metals (platinum, palladium, and rhodium). The prices of all three have skyrocketed.

Catalytic converters are typically the size of a loaf of bread. They are connected to the exhaust system between the muffler and the engine. And can easily be cut directly out from under a car by thieves.