Four additional members of an alleged criminal organization responsible for the thefts of hundreds of vehicles in Southeast Michigan, totaling more than $8 million, have been arrested.

The charges are a continuation of a FORCE Team investigation of the auto theft ring first announced by the Attorney General in May 2024.

It is alleged the criminal ring targeted new vehicle storage lots, car dealerships, parking lots and individual residences.

The stolen vehicles are allegedly sold significantly below market value on the black market to buyers seeking unregistered vehicles.

The stolen vehicles have also been linked to other criminal activity.

The group is suspected of using countersurveillance to steal vehicles quickly and efficiently, allegedly using violence and ramming security vehicles if confronted.

“With these charges, we are one step closer to dismantling an active, violent, and prolific criminal organization responsible for the thefts of hundreds of vehicles across our state,” Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “I’d like to thank the prosecutors from my FORCE Team and all our law enforcement partners. Their tireless efforts over the past year have been instrumental in combatting auto thefts and protecting our communities.”

Troy Police Department, investigating this crime ring since August 2023, partnered with the FORCE Team in early 2024 to bring down this expansive criminal organization.

The investigation has been aided by the efforts of local police agencies, including the municipal police departments of Auburn Hills, Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Canton, Dearborn, Detroit, Eastpointe, Farmington Hills, Lansing, Livonia, Novi, Roseville, Royal Oak, Southfield, Sterling Heights, Walled Lake, and Warren, as well as the Oakland County Auto Theft Group and Macomb County Auto Theft Unit.

The Troy Police Department, the Michigan State Police and the Detroit Police Department’s Commercial Auto Theft Unit executed four arrest warrants on January 2, bringing four defendants into custody and seizing a large quantity of electronic key fobs and cash.

Each defendant has been charged with Conducting a Criminal Enterprise, a 20-year felony.