Introduction to the Catalytic Converter Ring

The city of Sacramento has been home to a lucrative family business, run by Tou Sue Vang, his brother Andrew, and their mother Monica Moua. However, this family enterprise was involved in illicit activities, specifically buying stolen catalytic converters, which generated over $38 million in revenue.

The Scheme and Its Consequences

Tou Sue Vang, 33, was sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in the theft ring, according to a news release from the U.S. attorney’s office in the Eastern District of California. In 2023, Vang, along with his brother and mother, pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport stolen catalytic converters bought from local thieves and selling them to a New Jersey buyer for more than $38 million, officials said. Vang also pleaded guilty to 39 additional money-laundering charges. Vang’s brother and mother are awaiting sentencing.

The Prevalence of Catalytic Converter Theft

Catalytic converter theft has become common across the U.S. because the car part is easy to steal, includes no identifying markings, and is very valuable. Catalytic converters contain precious metals that make some of them worth more than $1,000 each on the black market. At least one man in Inglewood was shot and killed trying to stop a catalytic converter theft.

The Operations of the Family-Run Business

Vang and his family operated the illegal enterprise from private residences and storage units and didn’t have a valid business license or a scrapyard, officials said. Vang shipped to DG Auto in New Jersey more than 1,000 pounds in goods. DG Auto then sold the converters and the precious metals to a metal refinery for more than $600 million, according to the indictments.

The Involvement of Other Parties

The case also includes 12 defendants from New Jersey, including brothers Navin Khanna and Tinu Khanna, who ran DG Auto and bought the stolen catalytic converters from California, authorities said. Vang used some of the money from the business to buy a five-acre, $1.235-million home in Rio Linda, another home in Sacramento, as well as more than a dozen cars and personal watercraft, authorities said. Vang forfeited more than $150,000 in cash as part of his sentence, plus 13 cars, four watercraft, jewelry, real estate, and other property.

Law Enforcement Response

“This defendant led a network of criminals that hurt thousands of innocent car owners,” said Acting U.S. Atty. Michele Beckwith in the news release. “This case represents the kind of far-reaching investigation that federal, state, and local law enforcement partners can do when working together.”

Conclusion

The family-run catalytic converter ring in Sacramento has been brought to justice, with Tou Sue Vang receiving a 12-year prison sentence and his family members awaiting sentencing. The case highlights the severity of catalytic converter theft and the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat such crimes.

FAQs

• Q: What was the nature of the family business run by Tou Sue Vang and his family?
  A: The family business involved buying stolen catalytic converters and selling them to a buyer in New Jersey, generating over $38 million in revenue.
• Q: What was the role of DG Auto in New Jersey in this scheme?
  A: DG Auto bought the stolen catalytic converters from California and sold them to a metal refinery for over $600 million.
• Q: What were the consequences for Tou Sue Vang?
  A: Tou Sue Vang was sentenced to 12 years in prison and forfeited over $150,000 in cash, 13 cars, four watercraft, jewelry, real estate, and other property.
• Q: Why has catalytic converter theft become common in the U.S.?
  A: Catalytic converter theft has become common because the car part is easy to steal, includes no identifying markings, and is very valuable due to the precious metals it contains.