Three Arrested in South Florida Luxury Car Theft Scheme, Police Say
Three Men Charged with Grand Theft, Dealing in Stolen Property, and Conspiracy to Commit Organized Fraud
MIAMI BEACH, FLA. – Police said they’ve recovered some exotic rides and arrested three men in connection with an organized scheme to steal and resell the high-end vehicles.
According to Miami Beach Police, the ritzy crime ring has resulted in a loss of approximately $300,000.
Suspects in Custody
Forty-one-year-old Yuriy Korotovskyy, 53-year-old Arman Gevorgyan, and 43-year-old Hrant Nazarian were taken into custody on charges including grand theft, dealing in stolen property, and conspiracy to commit organized fraud.
Investigation Underway
The investigation began on January 22, when police responded to a report of a stolen 2020 Rolls-Royce that was supposed to be transported from Miami Beach to a Michigan auto shop but never arrived.
Car Owners’ Nightmares
The owner of the stolen Rolls-Royce, Detroit-area resident Nader Eldamouni, spoke with 7News about his experience. "The car is a $300,000 car, Rolls-Royce, gone," he said.
How the Scheme Worked
According to the arrest report, detectives uncovered a growing trend. It states in part, "Over the past few weeks, detectives have been made aware of a new method on the rise for vehicles being stolen." Investigators said the car crooks target dispatchers and transporters, switching up the order destinations. The arrest report states the suspects would "rerout the truck drivers upon them picking up vehicles posted for transport and rout them to other locations."
Surveillance Footage
Police said the fraudulent shipping arrangements involved Armenian and Russian brokers rerouting these deliveries. A truck driver who cooperated with investigators described unknowingly delivering stolen luxury vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce, a Lamborghini Urus, and an Audi R8 to locations in Hallandale Beach, according to police. Surveillance footage showed suspects following the stolen vehicles.
Arrest and Recovery of Stolen Vehicles
Detectives on Thursday coordinated a controlled delivery at a location in Aventura, where the suspects reportedly arrived in a Rolls-Royce Cullinan and a Bentley. Police said that Korotovskyy was observed paying $700 for the delivery of an orange Lamborghini Urus, which was later confirmed stolen. Police moved in, arresting all three men at the scene.
Conspiracy to Commit Organized Fraud
Authorities said the suspects worked together to acquire and redistribute stolen vehicles. Before the theft of Eldamouni’s Rolls-Royce, Houston, Texas, resident Steve Phelan told 7News that his Ferrari was also rerouted, in this case winding up in Miami.
Police Advice to Car Owners
Miami Beach Police spokesperson Christopher Bess spoke with 7News about the suspects on Friday. "They present paperwork that seems legitimate, and they go away with the vehicle," he said. "Either utilize a GPS tracking system, call the dealer, ask them to have a tracking mechanism inside the vehicle, and just do your very best to ensure that your assets are protected."
Conclusion
As of Friday night, Miami Beach Police said they have not recovered Eldamouni’s Rolls-Royce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many people were arrested in connection with the luxury car theft scheme?
A: Three men were arrested: Yuriy Korotovskyy, Arman Gevorgyan, and Hrant Nazarian.
Q: What were the charges against the suspects?
A: Grand theft, dealing in stolen property, and conspiracy to commit organized fraud.
Q: How much was the total loss due to the scheme?
A: Approximately $300,000.
Q: What advice did the police offer to car owners?
A: Utilize a GPS tracking system, call the dealer, and ask them to have a tracking mechanism inside the vehicle to ensure the protection of one’s assets.
