26 Charged In Theft Ring In NJ And NY That Sent Cars To Africa
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — Authorities say that 26 people have been indicted for taking part in an international carjacking and theft ring in New Jersey and New York that sent high-end cars to West Africa.
A state grand jury in Mercer County charged three ringleaders, two shippers and 21 associates who stole and fenced the Land Rovers, Porches, Jaguars and other luxury vehicles.
The New Jersey Attorney General's Office says that 160 stolen cars worth more than $8 million were recovered over 10 months as part of "Operation Jacked."
The 26 defendants were all charged with racketeering and conspiracy, while others were charged with carjacking. Four others previously pleaded guilty.
The A.G. says that 36-year-old Leon Nii-Moi, of roselle, 27-year-old Kyle Champagnie, of Irvington, and 40-year-old Omar Smith, of Newark, were the ringleaders. It wasn't immediately clear if they had attorneys.
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