Campbell Man Suspected Of Stealing $3M In Catalytic Converters

CAMPBELL, CA — A Campbell man was arrested on suspicion of stealing about $3 million worth of catalytic converters, the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office announced Monday.

Robert Frank, who owns a recycling company called Green Metal Recycling, was found to be in possession of more than 1,500 stolen catalytic converters, $50,000 in cash, 1,200 armor piercing bullets and an assault rifle, according to prosecutors.

The 52-year-old was arrested as part of a six-month San Jose Police Department investigation they deemed “Cat Scratch Thiever,” a coordinated operation involving more than a dozen suspects to steal catalytic converters.

“This crime is causing car owners and sellers to spend hard-earned money to replace parts and protect their cars,” Santa Clara County District Attorney Jeff Rosen said. “We won’t stand by and let thieves profit by stripping your car in its parking space.”

The district attorney’s office has charged 14 people in connection with the operation.

Frank faces incarceration if convicted. His arraignment is scheduled for Jan. 13 in San Jose.