Livermore Police Aid In Federal Catalytic Converter Investigation

LIVERMORE, CA — Livermore police played a role in a federal investigation into a catalytic converter theft ring.

On Thursday, the Department of Justice announced that 21 people across the country, including three in California, were arrested on suspicion of taking part in a stolen catalytic converter crime ring headquartered in New Jersey. The suspects are linked to more than $500 million in stolen catalytic converters.

In January 2021, following a tip from a resident, the Livermore Police Department conducted an 11-month investigation into an alleged catalytic converter theft ring in the area through a full-time task force that included Pleasanton police officers.

In October 2021, the task force identified approximately 30 suspects related to catalytic converter theft, recovered over 50 intact catalytic converters, seized $91,000 in cash, and recovered illegal weapons, drugs, recovered stolen vehicles,and identified multiple locations operating as chop shops for stolen property.

Livermore police provided intelligence and help to federal agents conducting the investigation. “I am extremely proud of our department and all those who supported the investigation,” Livermore Police Chief Jeramy Young said in a statement. “While catalytic converter thefts continue to plague our community and state, I’m sure this effort prevented others from being victimized.“
The three arrested in California as part of the federal investigation were identified as brothers Tou Sue Vang, 31, and Andrew Vang, 27, and Monica Moua, 51. All three are from Sacramento, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

"According to court documents... [the three California suspects] allegedly operated an unlicensed business from their personal residence in Sacramento where they bought stolen catalytic converters from local thieves and shipped them to ... New Jersey for processing," a news release from the DOJ said.

"The Vang family allegedly sold over $38 million in stolen catalytic converters to DG Auto," according to the DOJ.

Arrests, searches and seizures took place not only in California, but in New Jersey, Oklahoma, Wyoming, Minnesota, New York, Nevada, North Carolina and Virginia, according to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland.

The Livermore Police Department, in partnership with Las Positas College, Subaru, and Toyota, is hosting a free anti-theft etching event for catalytic converters on the Las Positas campus from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Nov. 29.

Catalytic converter theft claims have risen more than 1,000 percent since 2019, according to AAA data reported by the League of California Cities. California also accounts for almost one-third of all catalytic convert claims in the U.S. made to State Farm, according to the League.

Gov. Newsom signed two new laws to curb the rise in stolen converters that will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2023. The new laws regulate who can sell and purchase the converters, require a traceable payment method for converter transactions, and include fines and penalties for anyone convicted of knowingly violating the new regulations.

To avoid theft, Allstate Insurance recommends:

• Etch a license plate number of VIN onto your converter.
• Park in well-lit or secured areas.
• Install an anti-theft device.
• Install motion-sensitive light and cameras.
• Make sure your auto insurance includes catalytic converter coverage.

—Patch editor Kat Schuster contributed to this report.