Tampa Police Shut Down Illegal Recycling Operation, 2 Arrested

TAMPA, FL — Tampa police detectives have shut down an illegal recycling operation and arrested two people.

Detectives began surveillance of Armando Recycling at 4101 E. 12th Ave. following an anonymous tip suggesting the business was operating as an unlicensed secondary metals recycler and may be responsible for an increase in catalytic converter thefts in the city over the last several months.

The owner is 29-year-old Denis Redzic and 33-year-old Zijad Nuhanovic is the business manager.

Detectives were able to establish through the Florida Department of Revenue that the business was acting as an unlicensed secondary metals recycler.

Then, on Tuesday, detectives witnessed multiple catalytic converters being brought into the business. They inspected the catalytic converters and found cause to believe they had been stolen. They obtained a search warrant for the business and seized 1,006 catalytic converters in addition to cell phones, cutting tools, a forklift, a box truck and a DVR.

The total amount of seized property is estimated to be more than $500,000 dollars.

Redzic and Nuhanovic were charged with violation of the Secondary Metals Recyclers Regulations, and operating as an unregistered secondary metals recycling business, both felony charges.

Detectives said catalytic converters are often stolen from dimly lit areas, often in parking lots or car lots with multiple vehicles. Drivers should always park in well-lit areas with motion-sensor cameras if available.

Suspicious activity should be reported as quickly as possible.