NEW JERSEY — Three men have been arrested in connection with what authorities describe as a sophisticated auto theft trafficking operation accused of stealing vehicles, changing their identities, and redistributing them across New Jersey.
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice announced Thursday that investigators identified Yosiel Ruiz-Linares, 33, of Elizabeth, as the alleged leader of the operation.
Prosecutors say Ruiz-Linares is charged with leading an auto theft trafficking network, conspiracy, trafficking in stolen property, receiving stolen property, receiving stolen motor vehicles, VIN tampering, forgery, and motor vehicle title offenses.
Also charged are Yadier Evora-Martinez, 31, of Orlando, and Angel M. Amendanosiguencia, 42, of Trenton. Authorities said the charges range from second- to fourth-degree offenses.
“Vehicles are among the most expensive purchases people and businesses make,” Davenport said. “Auto theft drives up prices for consumers, businesses, and insurance companies and disrupts the lives of ordinary New Jersey residents.”
According to investigators, Ruiz-Linares allegedly operated a vehicle theft enterprise responsible for stealing, storing, transporting, re-identifying, and redistributing stolen passenger and commercial vehicles, including heavy-duty trucks.
Authorities say investigators documented meetings, travel activity, and vehicle transfers involving Ruiz-Linares and several alleged co-conspirators, including Evora-Martinez.
On May 8, 2026, New Jersey State Police executed a court-authorized search warrant at a Trenton residence allegedly connected to Ruiz-Linares.
During the raid, troopers say they recovered more than a dozen credit card skimming devices, nearly 100 blank credit cards, fraudulent New Jersey MVC titles, VIN programming and re-identification equipment, burglar’s tools, motor vehicle master keys, and approximately $10,000 believed to be criminal proceeds.
Investigators also linked the alleged operation to several stolen commercial vehicles, including a 2024 Freightliner, a 2025 International Wrecker, a 2025 International Box Truck, and a 2025 Western Star Roll-Off truck.
Authorities say the investigation uncovered evidence of cloned VINs, altered registrations, fraudulent titles, and other methods allegedly used to disguise stolen vehicles and put them back into circulation.
