Valley vehicle theft ring dismantled, $2.5 million in stolen vehicles recovered

PHOENIX — The Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) successfully dismantled a vehicle theft ring, the Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) announced Thursday.

The dismantling was part of “Operation Escalading Switch,” a targeted effort led by VTTF to combat organized vehicle theft in Phoenix.

AZDPS said that on Tuesday VTTF members, with the support of multiple partner agencies, served search warrants at several locations throughout the Valley and recovered 29 stolen vehicles as well as seized weapons and cash which were reportedly proceeds from the ring. The stolen vehicles were valued at nearly $2.5 million.

There were three suspects arrested during the operation: 29-year-old Ali Ahmad, 32-year-old Delia Rocha and 33-year-old Mario Garcia Rodriguez.

All three are from Glendale and facing multiple felony charges.

Details on the vehicle theft ring

AZDPS said the investigation revealed that the theft ring operated quickly and efficiently.

The ring would allegedly steal high-end vehicles, alter their identification numbers and then list the vehicles on Turo — a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform — for rental within one of week of stealing it.

According to police, the profits from the ring were tracked to accounts in the United States, Mexico and the Middle East.

“This operation is a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement and the dedication of our Vehicle Theft Task Force,” Director of AZDPS Colonel Jeffrey Glover said in the announcement.

“We are committed to protecting Arizona’s communities, and this takedown send a strong message to those engaged in organized crime.”

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