A high-tech vehicle theft gang led by two brothers allegedly stole $2.5 million worth of high-end vehicles from dealerships in the Sunshine State using a key-fob programmer, police said.
Authorities have been investigating the gang — which allegedly stole 30 new cars from 20 lots in 11 counties — since the spree began in mid-March. according to a statement from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
“Although he moved quickly, he did not have enough gas to evade the law,” state Attorney General Ashley Moody said in the statement.
“And now that (the Sheriff’s Office) has pulled the plug on what they’re doing — my statewide prosecutors will make sure they’re punished for their multimillion-dollar crime.”
The investigation, dubbed “Operation Family Affair,” focused on Rafael Garcia, 21, and his brother Cristian Garcia, 16 — both of whom already have lengthy criminal records, the Sheriff's Office said.
Authorities said the dirty pair and their crew would find a dealership and pick out a car — usually an expensive, high-end model such as a Dodge Charger or Challenger Hellcat; a Chevrolet Corvette or Camaro; or a Jeep Trailhawk.
They would then break the window or sunroof, get in, and use a programmer to make a new key for each car, according to the office.
They would then take the car to a storage unit so it could be sold to a buyer or dismantled for parts, according to Sheriff Chad Chronister.
Last Wednesday, the Garcia brothers and their gang members — Bisma Fayaz Sial, 22; Adriel Fabian Mendez Arroyo, 17; and Enzo Prado Oliveira, 18 — were captured, authorities said.
The suspects have been charged with multiple crimes, including motor vehicle theft, conspiracy and federal fraud charges.
Police officers are still searching for a suspect, whose identity the sheriff has not released.
“The work of our Auto Theft Unit, in conjunction with our partners throughout the state, sends a loud and resounding message: There is no place for vehicle theft in Florida,” Chronister said in a statement.
He further said, “These people were not only continuously conspiring to commit crimes but were also earning huge profits from their activities.”
“Our detectives and deputies conducted a thorough investigation and held these offenders accountable for their actions.”
