New Jersey law enforcement officials charged 63 people in an alleged auto theft trafficking network accused of moving stolen luxury vehicles to West African buyers, according to Beinsure.
Investigators linked the organization to more than 90 stolen vehicles worth over $8 mn. The alleged activity ran between June 2025 and June 2026 across New Jersey and New York.
The group targeted Range Rovers, Porsches and BMWs. Theft crews allegedly stole the vehicles, transported them through local networks, and arranged sales to buyers in Ghana and Nigeria.
Authorities said many crews entered homes to obtain vehicle key fobs. The defendants then allegedly brokered the cars to buyers who intended to export them overseas.
Prosecutors identified Fatim Wingate and Brian J. Peppers of Newark as two alleged main fences. Adamu Alhassan, also of Newark, allegedly worked with them in the enterprise.
Standford Oduro allegedly ran a shipping yard in Irvington, New Jersey. Police said he attended many sales involving stolen vehicles.
Investigators recovered several stolen vehicles from shipping containers at ports in New Jersey and New York. Police traced those vehicles back to the Irvington shipping yard.
According to Beinsure, prosecutors also allege that buyers financed parts of the operation. This alleged role expanded their involvement beyond purchasing and shipping stolen cars.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor and the New Jersey State Police announced the charges. Each defendant faces a first-degree racketeering charge tied to the alleged conspiracy.
Other charges include participation in an auto theft trafficking network, vehicle theft, receiving stolen property and residential burglary. The complaint describes allegations, and every defendant remains presumed innocent unless a court proves guilt.
Bernard J. Cooney, the state’s insurance fraud prosecutor, said auto theft networks create public safety risks and raise insurance costs. He said the crimes drive violence, fuel fear in communities and pressure auto insurance affordability for lawful New Jersey drivers.
