Organized car theft ring targeting U.S. airports busted in Texas

1 week ago 11

Published Jan 01, 2025 • 1 minute read

Passengers pass through Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport in Dallas, Texas, Jan. 11, 2023.

An organized car theft ring whose members allegedly targeted airports in several western U.S. states was busted recently by Texas cops.

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According to a search warrant obtained by Fort Worth NBC affiliate KXAS, police arrested the alleged ringleader in October after nearly $5 million worth of vehicles were stolen while parked at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport.

“Approximately 14 suspects have been identified … the suspects in this group have stolen approximately 52 cars from DFW, for a total loss of $4.9 million,” an investigator said in the search warrant.

Authorities said the criminal group, based in Houston, had been under investigation since last February. Investigators believe the ring also targeted other airports in Texas, New Mexico, Utah and Nevada.

Police said the alleged ringleader, 37-year-old Yoel Hernandez-Frometa, used a car diagnostic tool “to reprogram key fobs so he can steal vehicles,” the affidavit said.

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“These devices, designed for legitimate locksmiths and mechanics, can be misused to mimic or reset vehicle keys,” Gene Petrino, co-owner of Survival Response LLC and a retired SWAT commander, told Fox News.

A spokesperson for the Dallas-Fort Worth airport said in a statement that police have made several arrests, which has “disrupted organized crime rings and greatly reduced reported car thefts at DFW.”

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