Six people were arrested during a bust operation targeting a sprawling auto theft crime group in Southern California.
In December 2024, the Riverside Auto Theft Interdiction Detail (RAID) task force began investigating the Long Beach Performance organization, whose alleged criminal activities span Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Orange counties, according to the California Highway Patrol.
Over the next nine months, investigators uncovered a “sophisticated criminal organization and network engaged in vehicle theft, alteration of Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs), fraudulent DMV documentation, sales of stolen vehicles, and trafficking of narcotics and firearms,” CHP said.
Detectives found numerous vehicles, estimated to be worth more than $1.25 million, associated with this organization.
On Aug. 26, authorities served 12 search warrants at homes and businesses associated with the crime group. During the massive bust, officers found 11 stolen vehicles, 31 firearms and arrested six members of the organization.
Officials said the criminal enterprise had extended its operations into Las Vegas, Nevada, where RAID investigators are working with law enforcement to recover additional stolen vehicles.
“This investigation underscores the dedication of RAID and our allied partners to identify, investigate, and dismantle organized criminal enterprises operating across county and state lines,” said CHP Lieutenant Kraig Palmer. “The operation reflects our commitment to provide the highest level of Safety, Service, and Security to the people of California. We are committed to protecting our communities by holding offenders accountable, while working collaboratively with our partners to ensure a safer California.”
Multiple agencies worked on the operation, including the CHP’s Inland and Southern Divisions, Long Beach Police Department, Riverside Police Department, Anaheim Police Department, the San Bernardino County Auto Theft and Gang Task Forces, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Department of Insurance and the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB).
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