Nationwide Catalytic Converter Theft Scheme: Californians Plead Guilty in $600 Million Scandal

Three members of a California family, including two brothers and their mother, have pleaded guilty to conspiracy for their involvement in a nationwide ring that shipped $600 million worth of stolen catalytic converters from California to New Jersey. The stolen auto anti-smog devices were provided to a metal refinery, and the family members received over $38 million in return. Catalytic converters are easily stolen and contain valuable precious metals, with California accounting for 37% of catalytic converter theft claims nationwide.