TULSA, Okla. – A significant legal development unfolded as Navin Khanna, 31, from Holmdel, New Jersey, admitted guilt in a federal court for leading a national catalytic converter theft ring. This operation resulted in over $600 million worth of stolen converters being sold. U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson announced the plea.
Khanna faced charges including one count of Conspiracy and five counts of Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Property Derived from Specified Unlawful Activity.
“Khanna’s theft ring took advantage of hard-working citizens in the Northern District of Oklahoma by stealing catalytic converters, rendering the vehicle unusable,” stated U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson. He expressed gratitude to the Tulsa Police Department and other law enforcement agencies for their efforts.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti explained the broader impact: “Across the United States thousands of people have had the catalytic converters cut off their parked cars because they contain valuable precious metals.” He added that thieves sell these parts to middlemen like Khanna who profit substantially from this illegal trade.
Khanna owned D.G. Auto Parts, a criminal enterprise dealing with auto parts nationwide from May 2020 through October 2022. He conspired with others to transport large quantities of stolen catalytic converters from several states to New Jersey, eventually reselling them for more than $600 million.
As part of his plea agreement, Khanna will forfeit over $3 million in cash, luxury vehicles, real estate interests, high-end jewelry, gold bars, and over 200 pallets of seized catalytic converters.
The investigation into increased catalytic converter thefts in Tulsa began in 2020 and uncovered this national criminal network. Search warrants were executed across multiple states including Oklahoma and California. Federal grand juries indicted Khanna and charged over twenty individuals nationwide for their involvement.
Several co-defendants have also pleaded guilty to related charges:
– Tyler James Curtis agreed to forfeit over $3 million.
– Adam Sharkey forfeited nearly $1.2 million.
– Robert Gary Sharkey forfeited his interest in more than $1.2 million.
– Benjamin Robert Mansour was involved in money laundering conspiracy.
– Reiss Nicole Biby forfeited her interest exceeding $1.1 million.
– Martynas Macerauskas agreed to forfeit nearly $2.2 million.
– Kristina McKay Macerauskas forfeited nearly $1.1 million.
– Parker Star Weavel pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property.
– Shane Allen Minnick agreed to forfeit $500,000.
– Ryan David LaRue pleaded guilty to conspiracy.
– Brian Pate Thomas pleaded guilty to conspiracy.
– Michael Anthony Rhoden pleaded guilty to conspiracy.
Khanna’s sentencing will be transferred to California where he faces further prosecution.
The case was supported by various law enforcement agencies including Homeland Security Investigations and IRS-Criminal Investigation among others under the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF).
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Nasar along with Reagan Reininger led the prosecution with support from Cesar Rivera-Giraud and Veronica M.A Alegría from California’s Eastern District.
