NEWARK, N.J. — Eight men have been charged for allegedly orchestrating an interstate luxury car theft ring that targeted high-end vehicles across New Jersey, New York, and other states, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger announced Thursday.
The defendants, who face charges of conspiracy to receive, possess, and sell stolen vehicles in interstate commerce, are Ahmad Franks, 24, also known as “Mahdi”; Shaquan White, 23, also known as “QBandz”; Nathan Braswell, 20, also known as “Troub”; Ibn Bellamy, 24, also known as “YC”; Zamir Wright, 20, also known as “GBz,” all from Newark; Ryan Bowen, 26, also known as “Prob,” and Khyree Lawrence, 20, also known as “6,” both from East Orange, New Jersey; and Mohammed Buhari, 45, also known as “Sakina,” from Woodbridge, Virginia.
Franks is further charged with five counts of possession of a stolen vehicle and one count of interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle. Bellamy and Buhari each face additional charges related to possession or sale of stolen vehicles. Bellamy and Lawrence were arrested on Nov. 6 and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court. Buhari remains at large, while the remaining defendants are already in custody on unrelated charges and will appear in court at a later date.
“The defendants are charged with orchestrating a brazen conspiracy to steal high-end, luxury vehicles, targeting our community and profiting from their illegal activities,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “These charges underscore our commitment to work with all of our law enforcement partners to protect the community from the variety of crimes committed by those who seek to enrich themselves unjustly by victimizing our residents.”
The investigation, which began in November 2021, revealed that the defendants and others allegedly conspired to steal, transport, and sell luxury cars across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and beyond. Some of the stolen vehicles were reportedly used in other crimes, including shootings, additional car thefts, and a homicide. From November 2021 to July 2022, Franks allegedly exchanged photos of at least 400 known or suspected stolen cars with other conspirators.
According to court documents, the 14 cars stolen by the defendants have an estimated total value of at least $550,000.
If convicted, the conspiracy charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the financial gain or loss, whichever is greater. The charges of sale, receipt, or possession of a stolen vehicle and interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle each carry a maximum potential sentence of ten years in prison and similar fines.
The case remains under investigation by federal and local law enforcement.