Federal officials this week stated that a 33-year-old man had been sentenced to 12 years in jail for his involvement in a family-run catalytic converter theft operation that generated over $38 million.
Prosecutors said in a news release from the U.S. Attorney’s Office that Tou Sue Vang, 33, of Sacramento, his brother Andrew Vang, and his mother Monica Moua purchased stolen catalytic converters from criminals and shipped them to a buyer in New Jersey.
“Catalytic converter theft has become prevalent across the nation because of their value, relative ease to steal, and their lack of identifying markings,” the release noted. “Thieves steal catalytic converters from vehicles on the street for the precious metals they contain.”
Prosecutors also noted that the black market price for some California-made catalytic converters might exceed $1,000 each, and that in some instances, the precious metals within the components are worth more per ounce than gold.
The family’s home and storage facilities served as the main operating locations for the thievery ring.
A particular kind of expensive catalytic converter, similar to those in the Toyota Prius, was included in several of the 1,000-pound shipments that were sent to DG Auto in the Garden State.
The Los Angeles Times reported that DG Auto recovered and sold the pieces to a metal refinery for over $100 million.
Tou Vang’s extravagant lifestyle, which included a $1.23 million multi-home complex on five acres in Rio Linda, was financed by the earnings of the illegal enterprise, according to the DOJ. The U.S. Government confiscated $150,000 in cash, 13 cars, four personal watercraft, jewelry, real estate, and other items as part of his punishment.
Tou Vang, his mother, and brother entered guilty pleas to conspiracy charges related to the theft ring in 2023.
“This takedown is the first of its kind in the nation and a major step forward in dismantling a catalytic converter theft ring,” Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office said. “The group is tied to an estimated $38 million in losses, and this investigation shows the power of strong collaboration.”
