In a stunning crackdown on a vast criminal organization, Navin Khanna, 41, from Holmdel, New Jersey, has confessed in federal court to orchestrating a massive $600 million theft ring focused on catalytic converters, which spanned several states and left countless victims behind.
Khanna, who previously owned D.G. Auto Parts, acknowledged running a criminal operation that dealt in stolen catalytic converters—an attractive target due to the valuable metals they contain, such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium. This operation lasted from May 2020 until October 2022, during which Khanna and his associates acquired and sold thousands of stolen components to a metal refinery, amassing hundreds of millions in profits.
“The defendant made $600 million and financed his ostentatious lifestyle by buying and selling stolen goods,” said Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti. “Sophisticated criminal schemes may afford you luxury cars and homes in the short term but will cost you a federal felony conviction in the long term.”
A Widespread Criminal Operation
What began as a rise in converter thefts in Tulsa, Oklahoma, swiftly transformed into a nationwide probe. Khanna’s operation procured parts pilfered from Oklahoma, Texas, California, and various other states, channeling them to New Jersey for resale. Prosecutors have stated that the magnitude of the scheme was astonishing.
The Tulsa Police Department, in collaboration with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and numerous federal and state agencies, uncovered the operation after executing a series of search warrants across five states. To date, over 20 individuals have been charged, and 13 co-defendants in Oklahoma have already admitted guilt.
“Khanna’s theft ring took advantage of hard-working citizens… by stealing catalytic converters, rendering the vehicle unusable,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson for the Northern District of Oklahoma.
Lavish Life, Now Forfeited
Khanna’s criminal empire funded an extravagant lifestyle. As part of his plea agreement, he will forfeit:
- Nearly $4 million in cash
- 11 luxury vehicles, including:
- A Lamborghini
- Two Ferraris
- Two Mercedes AMGs
- A McLaren
- A Porsche
- A Ford F650 Truck
- A BMW M3
- Real estate
- High-end jewelry
- Gold bars
- Over 200 pallets of catalytic converters
His co-defendants have agreed to surrender more than $3.2 million in assets, including cars, land, and bank funds.
Khanna could be sentenced to as much as 17.5 years in prison, with his sentencing moved to California, where he is also confronting charges related to the criminal operation.
Why Catalytic Converters?
Catalytic converters play a crucial role in vehicles by lowering emissions, but they also house precious and rare metals, which makes them highly sought after by thieves. The increase in thefts has affected countless drivers nationwide—many discovering their cars unusable and confronted with costly repair bills.
Have you been affected by catalytic converter theft?
Share your story in the comments or tag us on social media info@newsmeapp.com with the hashtag #ConverterTheftCrisis.
