Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Busted In Bay Area: CHP

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA — Several Bay Area agencies worked together this month to execute a massive bust targeting catalytic converter thieves, raiding two locations in Oakland that authorities believe were fencing the stolen devices.

According to the California Highway Patrol's Golden Gate Division, the Alameda County Regional Auto Theft Taskforce launched an investigation nearly a year ago into a prolific catalytic converter ring linked to thefts across the region.

Members from the Alameda County Sheriff's Office, Alameda Police Department, Dublin Police Department and National Insurance Crime Bureau assisted in the operation.

Their combined efforts helped identify the two Oakland locations, where investigators descended promptly at 9 a.m. last Friday. With help from the Alameda County Narcotics Taskforce and the Oakland Police Department, the task force served two search warrants where officials said they found 240 stolen catalytic converters, a stolen car, three guns, and an estimated $260,000 in cash, along with other stolen property.

Six Oakland men were arrested during the operation and face allegations of possession of stolen property, criminal conspiracy, and "tampering with a vehicle without the owner's consent."

The CHP identified the suspects in the case as:

• Jorge Perez Garcia, 39
• Nelson Alvarado Herrera, 41
• Oscar Alvarado Herrera, 38
• Luis Monterroso-Veliz, 31
• Pedro Maravilla, 44
• Santos Contreras, 23

"The mission of the Alameda County Regional Auto Theft Taskforce is to reduce the incidents of vehicle theft in Alameda County through proactive enforcement efforts, officer training, and public awareness," CHP officials wrote Wednesday. "The mission of the California Highway Patrol is to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security."