California Family Pleads Guilty in $600 Million Catalytic Converter Theft Conspiracy
Three members of a California family have pleaded guilty to participating in a national network involved in stealing and trafficking catalytic converters worth $600 million. Tou Sue Vang, Andrew Vang, and Monica Moua were part of a conspiracy that transported stolen catalytic converters from California to New Jersey, receiving over $38 million in wired payments. The devices, containing precious metals like palladium and platinum, have become lucrative targets for thieves, with thefts increasing significantly in recent years. Charges were filed against 21 individuals, including those associated with DG Auto Parts LLC in New Jersey, with pending charges against the New Jersey defendants. The sentencing date for the Sacramento family members has not been scheduled, but they face various penalties, including prison time and fines.
Two years ago, California lawmakers quietly passed a complex energy bill that transformed how residents are billed for electricity.