An organized theft ring with at least 14 members across the United States is suspected of stealing nearly $5 million worth of vehicles from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport between 2023 and November 2024, according to search warrants obtained by local news outlets. has been accused of.
“Approximately 14 suspects have been identified…This group of suspects stole approximately 52 vehicles from DFW with a total loss of $4.9 million,” officials said in an affidavit obtained. mentioned in. NBC 5 Dallas vs. Fort Worth.
DFW Airport told Fox News Digital in a statement, “Recent arrests by airport police have disrupted organized crime organizations and significantly reduced reports of auto thefts in DFW.”
“In 2023, a total of 142 vehicle thefts were reported in the DFW terminal area. Through November 2024, only 60 vehicles were reported stolen, a nearly 58% decrease from the previous year.” A DFW Airport spokesperson said in a statement. “Police are confirming that thieves commonly target luxury muscle cars and luxury SUVs. As has been widely reported, auto theft is an unfortunate national problem and public facilities are facing.
A DFW spokesperson added that the number of car thefts in DFW last year was small compared to the 3.4 million cars parked at airports each year.
“During my time as a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret, I have seen organized theft organizations use many of the same tactics as transnational criminal networks and terrorist organizations,” said Imperio Consulting. said Eric Brown, founder and CEO with 24 years of experience. Green Beret veteran and security expert told FOX News Digital. “They are looking for easy targets, focusing on weak security measures and predictable routines. The key for travelers is to ensure their vehicles do not become soft targets.”
The ring allegedly targeted airports across the West, including Texas, New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada.
According to NBC 5, the affidavit states that the alleged ring leader, Yoel Hernandez-Frometa, 37, used an automated diagnostic tool called Autel Device to “reprogram the key fob and “I made it possible to steal the information.''
Gene Petrino, co-owner of Survival Response LLC and former SWAT commander, told Fox News Digital that organized thieves use Autel tools “to reprogram key fobs and bypass modern security systems.” He said it is common to use it. They often target “vehicles based on market demand and resale value,” he added.
“These devices are designed for authorized locksmiths and mechanics and can be exploited to imitate or reset vehicle keys,” Petrino said.
Hernandez Frometa and two others, including 30-year-old Jose Alejandro Pavon Estopian and 29-year-old Viner Pinolotro, were arrested in July on charges of possessing a stolen vehicle in Salt Lake City, Utah, and fled in the car. did. Theft of a vehicle, failure to stop when ordered by police, and possession of burglary tools.
The three suspects were captured searching a vehicle at the Salt Lake City Airport and fled when police caught up with them and attempted to conduct a traffic stop.
Authorities eventually identified and took the suspect into custody with the assistance of multiple law enforcement departments. During the investigation, one of the suspect's backpacks was recovered, which was “full of empty car key fobs.”
Officers also found a key card to a nearby motel and obtained a search warrant for the motel. With the help of Salt Lake City Police Department As the SWAT team cleared the suspect's room, officers found that “a laptop, other hardware used to communicate electronic signals, and other hardware used to program a key fob inside the stolen vehicle the suspect rescued. “We discovered further evidence of an organized stolen vehicle operation, including stolen devices,” police said at the time.
The Salt Lake City Police Department noted that the three individuals are not affiliated with the city.
It is unclear whether any of the 11 additional suspects involved in the theft ring have been arrested.
“These groups often divide tasks into different teams. One crew scouts parking lots, notes high-value vehicles, and passes that information to thieves; another group scouts forged documents. and arrange storage and resale. This setup allows for flexibility and makes it difficult to track.”
Petrino similarly said that members of a theft ring “have specific roles: some are in charge of reconnaissance, some are in charge of the technical aspects of reprogramming, and some are in charge of transporting and reselling stolen vehicles.” spoke.
They also operate “in multiple jurisdictions,” Petrino explained, “making them difficult to track and prosecute.”
Because these organized theft rings operate across state lines, tracking down suspects requires expert coordination among law enforcement agencies, he added. In addition, police “often lack the resources to focus on complex investigations that span multiple states, especially when the theft is part of a larger criminal organization,” Petrino said. said.
Brown similarly explained that local, state and federal authorities will need to work together to combat these theft rings, including targeting larger threats.
“This collaboration will help bring all the pieces together and disrupt the entire theft network. It will not be an easy task, but with tenacious teamwork and resource sharing, law enforcement will be able to undermine these organizations and We can protect travelers,” the former Green Beret said.
This incident is under investigation.
FBI Dallas Field Office The agency told FOX News Digital that it is aware of the theft ring and is assisting DFW Airport Police with the investigation.
