SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — Three members of a California family pleaded guilty Monday to conspiracy for their role in a ring that shipped $600 million worth of stolen catalytic converters from California to New Jersey, federal prosecutors said.
The three Sacramento family members pleaded guilty to conspiring to transport the devices in return for more than $38 million.
Tou Sue Vang also pleaded guilty to 39 charges related to money laundering, prosecutors said.
Catalytic converters are easily stolen and contain precious metals including platinum.
“The black-market price for catalytic converters can be above $1,000 each.”California accounts for 37% of catalytic converter theft claims nationwide, with about 1,600 reported stolen each month, federal prosecutors said.
Persons:
Tou Sue Vang, Andrew Vang, Monica Moua
Locations:
SACRAMENTO, Calif, California, New Jersey, “, Sacramento