Feds Bust Car Theft Ring That Reportedly Stole 120 Cars in 6 Months

What do Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Porsche, Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Land Rover have in common? Well, other than building some of our favorite vehicles, all these brands were among those targeted by a car theft ring operating in and around Rhode Island last year, according to the United States Department of Justice. Four men are now facing serious charges over their reported involvement in the operation, according to the feds, and the allegations aren't small potatoes: they're accused of stealing around 200 vehicles with a total value of more than $5 million.

Authorities say that the criminal activity began in February of 2023 and lasted until at least July of that year. During that time, the DOJ says that "members of the conspiracy burglarized a dozen dealerships and stole approximately 120 vehicles, collectively valued at approximately $5 million dollars."

That count of the vehicles doesn't include several dozen motorcycles and dirt bikes: a Husqvarna dealer in Pennsylvania lost 19 motorcycles to theft, and another dealer had 11 dirt bikes taken from its property in Phillipston, Massachusetts.

According to documents filed by the U.S. Attorney's Office, the crimes spanned across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania. The suspects would reportedly take vehicles from dealerships in those states and then often times relocate the property to a home in Rhode Island.

Authorities didn't reveal how they cracked the case, but did say communications between members of the group revealed details: not only did the members reportedly speak of the thefts themselves, but they also allegedly discussed selling them. The DOJ also obtained footage showing persons they believe to be the suspects covering a confirmed stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.

As of September 27, the suspects — Belter Giron, Alberto Rivera, Richard Robinson, and Onix Eduardo — are facing charges of conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and interstate transportation of stolen property.

According to the filing, the high-end vehicles involved included a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG, a 2022 Porsche 911, a 2021 Dodge Charger, and a 2023 Yamaha YZ65P motorcycle. To date, authorities have recovered 41 vehicles and 11 dirt bikes that they believe the group stole. One of those vehicles, a Range Rover, was actually found sitting on a container ship bound for Africa.

Of the four men, all but Robinson, who has been released on bond, are still in custody as of this story's publication. (In fact, Rivera was already in custody when these new charges came about.) No trial date is set at this time.

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