Five arrests in Florida car theft ring, vehicles worth nearly $2.5 million stolen

HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Five people have been arrested and charged in a car theft spree in which nearly $2.5 million worth of cars were stolen across Florida.

“These individuals have not only conspired to commit crimes on a continuous basis, but have also made significant profits from their activities,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office (HCSO) stated that its investigation, which lasted from March to August 2024, uncovered a group responsible for stealing vehicles from numerous car dealerships in counties including Columbia, Pasco, Pinellas, Alachua, Marion, Polk, Manatee, Sarasota, Lee, Collier and Hillsborough.

The HCSO reportedly called the investigation “Operation Family Affair” because it focused on brothers Rafael Garcia and his younger brother, both of whom have criminal backgrounds. The Garcia brothers have been linked to the theft of over 30 vehicles from more than 20 dealerships, with the criminal activity beginning in December 2023.

Officers found that the group broke into vehicles by smashing windows or sunroofs and used special programming devices to create new keys. After stealing the cars, they took them to a warehouse where they removed parts or sold them.

Among the stolen vehicles were several luxury models, including the Chrysler Charger Hellcat and Challenger Hellcat, as well as Chevrolet Corvettes, Camaros, Jeep TrackHawks and Dodge Ram TRX trucks, according to HCSO.

See also: Suspect in triple shooting in Boca Raton arrested after fleeing in Georgia

On September 18, four of the six suspects were arrested in Hillsborough County and one in Pasco County. Five of them were charged with Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) violations.

Those arrested include:

• A 16-year-old is accused of 16 counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle and four counts of grand theft valued at over $100,000.
• Rafael Edward Garcia, 21, was charged with one count of RICO violation, one count of RICO conspiracy, six counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle and three counts of grand theft over $100,000.
• Bisma Fayyaz Sial, 22, is charged with one count of RICO violation, one count of RICO conspiracy, six counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle and two counts of grand theft over $100,000.
• A 17-year-old is charged with one count of violating the RICO Act, one count of RICO conspiracy, three counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle and grand theft over $100,000.
• Enzo Prado Oliveira, 18, is charged with violating the RICO Act, conspiracy to commit RICO, 13 counts of grand theft of a motor vehicle, and three counts of grand theft over $100,000.

Authorities are still looking for another suspect in connection with the operation.

Find more ways to stay up to date with the latest local news. Subscribe to our newsletter to get the day's top headlines delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to get the most important stories and videos you can't miss.