Catalytic Converters Sold On LI As 5 CT Men Indicted In Scheme: Feds

NEW HAVEN, CT — A U.S. Attorney in Connecticut announced a nine-count indictment charging five men in connection to a stolen catalytic converter trafficking ring, including instances on Long Island.

According to the indictment, one of the men charged, Alexander Kolitsas, 28, brought catalytic converters, including stolen pieces of the vehicle's exhaust emission control device, to Island Park on two occasions in March.

The catalytic converters were sold for $300,000 in cash, the U.S. Attorney said in a release.

All of the men charged are from Connecticut.

"Catalytic converter thefts are more than just an annoying property crime for victims, they increase insurance rates for all car owners and increase pollution in the air we breathe," said U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery said.

The average scrap price for catalytic converters currently varies between $300 and $1,500, depending on the model and type of precious metal component.