Criminal Network Busted Through a Lost License Plate
In Wisconsin, law enforcement uncovered a criminal organization involved in the theft of premium cars, weapons trafficking, money laundering through real estate, and drugs. As a result of the operation, 23 people were arrested, a number of vehicles were seized, and an interstate criminal network was eliminated. It all started back in 2022 with the discovery of a lost license plate.
Police found the plate on a highway in Kenosha County and determined it belonged to a stolen car from Milwaukee. A further investigation revealed a connection to a series of thefts in the same region. Law enforcement conducted searches in Milwaukee and Illinois, identifying key members of the group.
Criminals’ Modus Operandi
The criminals specialized in stealing expensive cars, particularly from Mitchell Airport in Milwaukee. They used professional equipment to clone vehicle identification numbers (VIN). After stealing the cars, they resold them below market price and laundered the money through shell companies and real estate.
During the searches, a drug lab, credit card skimming devices, fake car titles, stolen jewelry, four cars, and cash were also discovered. Sheriff David Zorner noted:
The fact that a found license plate led to federal charges against 23 people is truly impressive. Our detectives identified key players and gathered crucial evidence.
This is not the first such case this year. Law enforcement has previously uncovered similar criminal schemes related to luxury car thefts. In February, a group specializing in car theft was detained, and in April, million-dollar batches of stolen Rolls-Royces were found.
The investigation lasted three years, and its results demonstrate how complex organized crime schemes can be. The use of modern technology for VIN cloning and money laundering through real estate complicated the work of law enforcement, but systematic efforts allowed for the complete elimination of the network.