Sacramento man sentenced to 12 years for masterminding a $38 million catalytic converter theft empire that robbed thousands of innocent car owners across California.
Key Takeaways
- Tou Sue Vang, 33, orchestrated a family-run catalytic converter theft ring that generated $38 million in illicit profits.
- The operation involved purchasing stolen catalytic converters across California and shipping them to a New Jersey buyer for nationwide distribution.
- Vang used the stolen wealth to finance a lavish lifestyle, including a $1.23 million multi-home complex, luxury vehicles, and jewelry.
- California accounts for 37% of nationwide catalytic converter thefts, with about 1,600 thefts per month reported in 2022 alone.
- This case marks the first major dismantling of a catalytic converter theft network of this scale in the United States.
Family-Run Crime Enterprise Dismantled
Tou Sue Vang, a 33-year-old Sacramento resident, has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for leading a sophisticated catalytic converter theft operation that generated over $38 million in illegal profits. Vang’s criminal enterprise wasn’t a solo venture but a family business, involving his brother Andrew Vang and their mother Monica Moua, who both pleaded guilty to conspiracy charges in 2023. Operating from their residence and storage units, the family created a network that purchased stolen catalytic converters from thieves throughout California.
The investigation revealed that the Vang family acquired valuable catalytic converters with no legitimate business licenses or permits. They regularly shipped these stolen parts, sometimes weighing over 1,000 pounds per shipment, to DG Auto in New Jersey. This buyer then processed the converters and sold the extracted precious metals to a refinery, generating more than $100 million in proceeds. The most valuable converters came from hybrid vehicles, particularly Toyota Prius models, which can fetch over $1,000 each on the black market.
A Sacramento man, who spent millions on luxury homes, Teslas and personal watercraft, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for running a nationwide catalytic converter theft ring that prosecutors say netted $38 million. https://t.co/vv20ZlQfn3
— San Francisco Chronicle (@sfchronicle) May 8, 2025
Sophisticated Criminal Operation
The scope of this criminal enterprise was unprecedented. Law enforcement officials discovered that thieves utilized a specialized app that provided real-time pricing for catalytic converters based on vehicle make and model, making theft targeting more efficient and profitable. This technological element demonstrates how organized and sophisticated modern criminal operations have become, especially in California where law enforcement resources are increasingly diverted to progressive priorities rather than protecting citizens’ property.
“This defendant led a network of criminals that hurt thousands of innocent car owners,” said Michele Beckwith, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California.
The investigation was part of a nationwide initiative that led to charges against 12 additional defendants from New Jersey. Conducted under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, the case brought together the FBI, IRS Criminal Investigation, and local law enforcement agencies in a rare display of effective collaboration. This multi-agency approach was necessary to tackle a criminal network that spanned multiple states and affected thousands of victims.
Luxury Lifestyle Fueled by Crime
Vang’s criminal profits funded an opulent lifestyle far beyond what honest, hardworking Americans can achieve. Federal authorities seized approximately $150,000 in cash, 13 vehicles, four personal watercraft, jewelry, real estate, and other property from Vang and his family. Most notably, Vang purchased a $1.23 million multi-home complex with his ill-gotten gains, demonstrating how criminals can thrive financially in California while law-abiding citizens struggle with high taxes and rising costs of living.
“This takedown is the first of its kind in the nation and a major step forward in dismantling a catalytic converter theft ring,” stated Special Agent in Charge Sid Patel of the FBI Sacramento Field Office.
The severity of catalytic converter theft in California cannot be overstated. In 2022, California accounted for approximately 37% of all catalytic converter thefts nationwide, with about 1,600 thefts reported monthly. These converters are prime targets because they contain precious metals more valuable than gold, including platinum, palladium, and rhodium. When stolen, replacement costs for vehicle owners typically range from $1,000 to $3,000, creating significant financial hardship for hardworking Americans already struggling with inflation and high living costs.
A Rare Victory Against Organized Crime
This case represents a significant victory in the fight against organized crime in a state where law enforcement often faces obstacles from progressive policies. The 12-year sentence handed to Vang sends a clear message to similar criminal enterprises that federal authorities remain committed to protecting American citizens and their property. However, the ease with which this operation flourished for years raises serious questions about the effectiveness of California’s crime prevention strategies and the priorities of state leadership.
“This case represents the kind of far-reaching investigation that federal, state, and local law enforcement partners can do when working together. The U.S. The Attorney’s Office is committed to continuing its law enforcement partnerships to disrupt criminal conspiracies like this one that target the American people,” said Michele Beckwith.
While this successful prosecution marks progress, catalytic converter theft remains a persistent problem nationwide, particularly in states with lax enforcement. Vehicle owners are encouraged to take preventative measures, including parking in well-lit areas, installing anti-theft devices specifically designed for catalytic converters, and reporting suspicious activity. Until more states prioritize the prosecution of property crimes and organized theft rings, American citizens will continue to bear the financial burden of replacing these valuable automotive components.
