FL Auto Theft Ring Stole $2.5M In Vehicles: Hillsborough Sheriff

TAMPA BAY, FL — An auto theft ring stole nearly $2.5 million worth of vehicles in Florida, authorities said.

The group stole vehicles from multiple car dealerships in Columbia, Pasco, Pinellas, Alachua, Marion, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Lee, Collier and Hillsborough counties between March 18 and August 18, according to a Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office news release.

"Operation Family Affair" centered around Rafael Garcia and his 16-year-old brother, both of whom have lengthy criminal histories. The investigation revealed they played a role in the theft of more than 30 vehicles from more than 20 dealerships beginning in December 2023, the sheriff’s office said.

The individuals involved would smash a window or sunroof to gain access to the vehicle while using a programmer to create a new key for each car. After the theft, the cars would then be taken to a storage unit to have parts removed or sold to a buyer.

Among the stolen cars were high-end Chrysler models such as Charger Hellcat and Challenger Hellcat. Other high-end models targeted by these individuals included Chevrolet Corvette, Chevrolet Camaro, Jeep TrackHawk and Dodge Ram TRX.

"The work of our Auto Theft Unit, alongside our partners throughout the state, sends a loud and resounding message: there is no place for vehicle theft in Florida," Sheriff Chad Chronister said. "These individuals not only conspired to commit a continuous pattern of crime but were deriving substantial profits from their activity. Our detectives and deputies conducted a thorough investigation and held these criminals accountable for their actions."

Four of six suspects were arrested Sept. 18 in Hillsborough County and five received Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act violations, the agency said.

Among those arrested, Rafael Garcia was charged with a RICO violation, RICO conspiracy or endeavor, six counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle and three counts of grand theft of $100,000 or more.

His 16-year-old brother was charged with 16 counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle and four counts of grand theft of $100,000 or more.

Enzo Prado Oliveira, 18, was charged with a RICO violation, RICO conspiracy or endeavor, 13 counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle and three counts of grand theft of $100,000 or more.

Bisma Fayyaz Sial, 22, who was arrested in Pasco County, was charged with a RICO violation, RICO conspiracy or endeavor, six counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle and two counts of grand theft of $100,000 or more.

A 17-year-old was also charged with a RICO violation, RICO conspiracy or endeavor, three counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle and one count of grand theft of $100,000 or more.

Though the sheriff's office named both minors charged, it's Patch policy to not named minors unless they've been charged as an adult. It's not known whether either minor was charged as a juvenile or an adult.