LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — An investigation into an auto theft ring allegedly responsible for stealing more than 400 vehicles worth more than $8 million has led to four arrests, the Michigan Attorney General announced Tuesday.
The Department of Attorney General claims that the organization has operated in Eaton, Kent, Oakland, Washtenaw, Macomb, and Wayne counties, targeting new vehicle storage lots, car dealerships, parking lots, and residences. The group is suspected of using countersurveillance to steal these vehicles quickly and efficiently—and using violence if confronted by police or security.
The department says stolen vehicles are sold significantly below market value on the black market to buyers seeking unregistered vehicles, and that multiple stolen vehicles have been linked to other criminal activity.
These other crimes include armed robbery, weapons offenses, felony evasion of police, carjackings, murder, and attempted murder.
The arrests took place on Thursday, Jan. 2, when Troy police, Detroit police, and the Michigan State Police arrested: