Arraignments were announced relating to a crime ring believed to be responsible for thefts of at least 63 high-end vehicles valued at more than $2.6 million, according to an announcement by the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General.

A joint operation between several law enforcement organizations resulted in the execution of multiple search warrants at 12 locations, including 11 residences and a garage, in Brockton, Fall River and North Easton, and the arraignments of 12 individuals suspected of participating in a high-end car theft enterprise.

One has an outstanding warrant and was not arrested as of Dec. 16, 2024.

Investigators seized firearms, large-capacity magazines, ammunition and additional evidence tying the individuals to the alleged crimes, including key fobs, key programming devices and clothing.

“Operation Hellcat” was a year-long investigation involving 38 local and federal law enforcement agencies.

Throughout the course of the investigation, individuals were identified as participants in high-end car thefts totaling more than $2.6 million.

Through the investigation, 63 stolen vehicles have been attributed to the theft organization.

Investigators established a pattern of conduct for the suspects that began as early as June 2023 and continued until as recently as December 2024, the agency stated.

The individuals are believed to have worked in groups of two to 10 to coordinate thefts at dealerships throughout Massachusetts and surrounding states.

The group allegedly used Autel programming devices that allow users to take a blank key fob and create a fully functioning key for the vehicle, a press release issued by the Massachusetts Attorney General said. After breaking into the vehicles, the suspects connected the Autel device into the vehicle, allowing them to create a new key fob within minutes.

Investigators also learned that several suspects had ordered firearm parts including selector switches, which are conversion devices that are designed for the sole purpose of converting semi-automatic Glock style firearms into fully automatic machine guns, online.

The warrants were executed simultaneously by more than 200 members of law enforcement.

The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.