Over 60 people charged in major car theft ring operating out of Irvington, New Jersey
IRVINGTON, New Jersey (WABC) -- Dozens of people are facing charges after authorities busted a major car theft ring in New Jersey.
The stolen vehicles were stored at a warehouse in Irvington before being shipped out of the Port of Newark to Ghana and Nigeria.
"Between June 2025 and June 2026, high-end vehicles stolen from neighborhoods throughout our region were funneled through an organized trafficking network and sold through a network of brokers, fences, buyers, and facilitators before ultimately being trafficked overseas to West Africa," said New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport.
"In some instances, according to the investigation, the stolen cars were used in connection with other crimes, including an armed robbery in Newark," said Bernard Cooney, acting New Jersey insurance fraud prosecutor.
There were over 90 high-end vehicles stolen, including Range Rovers, Porsches and BMW's, totaling more than $8 million.
"Many of the defendants were no strangers to the law enforcement, and their prior involvement in similar offenses highlighted the sophistication and persistence of the organization," said Jeanne Hengemuhle, acting superintendent of the New Jersey State Police.
The ring leaders were from Newark and set up teams to go out and steal cars and some broke into homes to locate the key fobs.
"These auto theft enterprises do more than simply steal cars. They endanger public safety, lead to violent crime, and fuel fear in our communities," Cooney said.
The attorney general had little to say about how this car theft ring got started or how long it's been in operation.
"Victims lose more than a car," Davenport said. "They lose time, money, peace of mind, and a sense of security in their own communities. An auto theft is not an isolated crime."
----------
* Get Eyewitness News Delivered
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
* Download our connected TV app
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
