HIGH-END HEIST: EIGHT CHARGED IN MULTI-STATE LUXURY CAR THEFT RING TARGETING NJ AND BEYOND

Federal authorities have charged eight men, including five from Newark, in a multi-state luxury car theft ring that spanned New Jersey, New York, and beyond. The group, allegedly led by Ahmad Franks and known by aliases like “Mahdi” and “QBandz,” is accused of orchestrating a scheme to steal, transport, and sell high-end vehicles across state lines. Investigations trace the operation back to 2021, revealing over 400 suspected stolen cars—some linked to violent crimes. If convicted, the accused face substantial prison sentences, with officials vowing to curb such "bold schemes" that profit from exploiting communities.