A major indictment involving twenty defendants was announced following an extensive three-year investigation called Operation Hellcat into a sophisticated auto theft ring operating in Queens and surrounding areas. The implicated individuals are linked to stealing 126 cars, valued at around $4.6 million, from various locations including private driveways. Many stolen vehicles were resold through social media channels. Notably, Justin Cupcake Santiago is identified as a key figure in this organized crime scheme, facing charges that could lead to significant prison time. The operations utilized undercover methodologies and wiretaps to disrupt the ring.
The defendants, involved in a significant scheme, stole 126 cars valued at approximately $4.6 million; this case connects to one of the largest auto theft rings in NYC.
The operation, named Hellcat, revealed a network where vehicles were stolen from driveways; some keys were often left inside, and cars sold via social media.
Collection
[
|
...
]