The Brief
- A discarded license plate in rural Wisconsin sparked a federal investigation into a multi-state car theft ring.
- Authorities say more than 175 high-end vehicles were stolen in Wisconsin and sold nationwide, with profits laundered through real estate.
- Twenty-three people, including five from Illinois, face charges related to vehicle theft, VIN tampering, fake titles, and money laundering.
ILLINOIS – A discarded license plate found in rural Wisconsin has led to a massive federal investigation and the takedown of a multi-state car theft ring involving nearly two dozen people across Wisconsin, Illinois and Indiana, authorities said.
What we know:
Five Illinois residents are among more than 20 people facing federal charges following a years-long investigation into the organized theft and trafficking of high-end vehicles.…