US authorities bust catalytic converter theft ring that raked in over $545m

The justice department charged 21 people and seized millions of dollars in assets in the takedown of the nationwide operation

US authorities said they have taken down a massive, nationwide criminal ring to steal thousands of catalytic converters from cars and trucks, charging 21 people and seizing millions of dollars in assets.

Various defendants were accused in separate indictments unsealed in Sacramento, California, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, of crimes such as transporting and receiving stolen goods across state lines, and conspiring to commit money laundering.