In a major victory against organized crime, the Queens District Attorney’s Office, in collaboration with the NYPD and New York State Police, has dismantled one of the most sophisticated vehicle theft rings in New York City history. Dubbed “Operation Hellcat,” this three-year investigation led to the indictment of 20 individuals accused of stealing 126 cars valued at more than $4.6 million.
The theft ring targeted a wide range of high-end vehicles, including Dodge Hellcats, BMWs, Mercedes-Benzes, Land Rovers, Acuras, and Hondas. Some cars were stolen directly from owners’ driveways – often left unlocked with the key fob inside. In other cases, thieves forcibly broke into locked cars by punching out door locks or breaking windows. Once inside, they used electronic devices to connect to the car’s onboard diagnostics system and program a new key fob.
After stealing the cars, the crew sometimes parked them on public streets for a short period to check whether tracking systems were active. If police found the vehicle, it wouldn’t immediately be traced back to the theft crew. To further conceal their crimes, the thieves obscured VINs or replaced license plates with fake or stolen tags.
Once secured, the cars were sold to brokers within the organization’s network or advertised on social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, and Telegram. The stolen vehicles typically sold for between $1,000 and $6,000 – often moving quickly due to their below-market prices.
These thefts caused significant distress, depriving residents of essential transportation and instilling a sense of vulnerability. As the Community Outreach Coordinator for Queens Shmira, I have seen firsthand the fear and frustration these crimes caused. Vehicle theft is not just a personal loss but a communal issue, and combating such organized rings requires a collective response from law enforcement and the community.
On behalf of the Queens community and Queens Shmira, I extend heartfelt thanks to District Attorney Melinda Katz, NYPD Commissioner Jessica S. Tisch, Superintendent Steven G. James, and all involved agencies for their relentless commitment to justice. Their efforts have restored a sense of security in our neighborhoods.
Operation Hellcat shows what can be achieved when law enforcement and the community work together. Moving forward, we must continue to support and collaborate with our dedicated officers to maintain the safety and well-being of all residents.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
