California Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Role in Multi-State Catalytic Converter Theft Scheme

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A California man has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for his involvement in a massive scheme to transport stolen catalytic converters across state lines and launder the proceeds through a nationwide criminal network.

Tou Sue Vang, 33, was sentenced this week for his role in the conspiracy, which generated tens of millions of dollars in illicit profit, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith.

Court documents reveal that Vang, along with his brother Andrew Vang and their mother Monica Moua, operated a large-scale fencing operation in California. The trio purchased thousands of stolen catalytic converters from thieves and sold them to a buyer in New Jersey for more than $38 million. That buyer later sold the parts and the precious metals they contained to a metal refinery, yielding over $600 million, according to the indictment.

Catalytic converters have become a frequent target for thieves due to the high value of the precious metals they contain, including palladium, platinum, and rhodium. Authorities say certain converters from California vehicles can fetch more than $1,000 each on the black market.

Vang used proceeds from the scheme to fund a lavish lifestyle, including the cash purchase of a $1.235 million, five-acre multi-home compound in Rio Linda, an additional residence in Sacramento, and more than a dozen vehicles.

“This defendant led a network of criminals that hurt thousands of innocent car owners,” said Beckwith. “This case is part of our broader commitment to dismantling organized theft rings that exploit everyday Americans.”

The investigation and prosecution are part of a nationwide initiative targeting catalytic converter theft conspiracies, which have surged in recent years due to rising metal prices and limited regulation of the secondary converter market.

Federal authorities say additional arrests and prosecutions connected to the case remain ongoing.