Multi-million-dollar catalytic converter theft ring

Bucks County, Pa. — Investigators broke up a multi-million-dollar criminal enterprise that specialized in the theft of catalytic converters.

Philadelphia towing yard were the subjects of the nearly yearlong investigation led by detectives with the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office. Several other agencies including ones in Bucks County, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Philadelphia, and New Jersey contributed to the investigation. 

Michael Williams, 52, of Philadelphia operated TDI Towing in Philadelphia where the converters were sold, detectives said. Most of the organization had a family connection to him, they added

Bucks County District Attorney’s Office announced charges Tuesday against 11 people and a Philadelphia towing company in a multi-million dollar catalytic converter theft ring.

Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub says TDI Towing in Philadelphia’s Port Richmond section bought $8.2 million worth of catalytic converters over three years.

Detectives combed through 5,000 hours of surveillance and conducted undercover operations. One surveillance video shows a person inside of TDI Towing in Port Richmond pulling a catalytic converter out of a car and cooling it off.

TDI would allegedly pay at least $10,000 every night to thieves who brought stolen catalytic converters to the tow yard. "On some nights, there would [be] 30 transactions with some thieves showing up more than once," the DA said in a release. "On several occasions, TDI Towing paid $1,000 for a single converter."  

The DA said that TDI paid on average $300 per unit. This went on for allegedly three years, with an average of 175 catalytic converters coming in every week. 

According to authorities, the head honcho behind it all was one Michael Williams who ran the towing company. Six other suspects were both employees and somehow related to Williams. Authorities say they all worked together stealing converters from victims.

TDI didn’t just steal from vehicles within Philadelphia city limits either. A total of 27 other local law enforcement agencies worked with authorities on the TDI Towing investigation.

“Without them we would not be standing here,” said the DA.

Police are asking the public to help find Richard Page and to call 215-348-6354 with information about him or his whereabouts.

Weintraub also asked anyone who has their catalytic converter stolen to report it to police, as the investigation is ongoing. Those who have already had one stolen can also call authorities, as they may be able to trace the device and the owner may be entitled to reparations.

 Read more

Ballinger, Creator of YouTube’s Miranda Sings, Denies Grooming Allegations Shohei Ohtani first AL pitcher since nearly 60 years

Sarah H

Also on site :

• China's First Domestic Anti-CTLA-4 Monoclonal Antibody, Innovent's TABOSUN® (Ipilimumab N01 Injection) Received NMPA Approval
• Goldman Sachs expects layoffs to keep rising—and says investors are punishing the stocks of companies that slash staff
• Prominent Canadian Musician Says Gig Was Cancelled After Google AI Overview Wrongly Branded Him Sex Pest