More than 600 stolen vehicles seized at Port Newark

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced that more than 600 stolen vehicles were seized at New York and New Jersey ports in the past year. Officials said the total value of the vehicles was about $36 million. It was noted that this figure represents the highest level CBP has reached at any entry point nationwide in a calendar year.

Vehicle Source Draws Attention

According to information provided by officials, although a significant portion of the seized vehicles were stolen from communities in New Jersey, most of the vehicles come from outside the state. It was also stated that some vehicles originated from points outside the U.S., including Canada. It was announced that the vehicle theft rate in New Jersey fell by about 20 percent compared to last year.

Targets Are West Africa and the Caribbean

CBP officials said that a significant portion of high‑value vehicles is being prepared for export abroad. It was reported that about 50 percent of the seized vehicles are planned to be shipped to West Africa, and 15 percent to the Dominican Republic. It was conveyed that the vehicles are placed in containers, and that some shipments use forged documents or altered vehicle identification numbers (VINs).

Children and Youth Are Used in Theft

Security forces say that organized vehicle‑theft groups use children and youths to check car doors or seize keys in neighborhoods. In some cases, suspects reportedly broke into homes, stole vehicle keys and keychains, and then seized the vehicles. Officials noted that these tactics are among those used by organized crime networks before delivering the cars to ports.

Investigations Continue After the Port

According to officials, every stolen vehicle found at the port not only means a single car has been recovered; it also provides data for investigations into who stole it, who transported it, and who the overseas buyers are. HSI, CBP, New Jersey State Police, Hudson County Sheriff’s Office, and Port Authority Police are conducting joint operations to expose vehicle‑trafficking networks. Since its formation in 2021, the task force has reportedly helped dismantle four international crime syndicates.

63 Individuals Charged with Vehicle Theft

In the summer of this year, 63 people were charged in New Jersey in connection with a wide‑scale vehicle‑theft ring alleged to send luxury cars to West Africa. The state prosecutor said the investigation also covers claims that suspects broke into homes to seize vehicle keys and shipped high‑value automobiles abroad. Earlier probes had found stolen cars in containers at New York and New Jersey ports.

Millions of Dollars in Fines for Shipping Companies

It was reported that CBP has also put the freight transport process under scrutiny to prevent the shipment of stolen vehicles. Officials announced that more than 534 administrative sanctions were imposed on freight companies that failed to provide the required information within 72 hours, and the total amount of these fines reached $1.8 million.

Warning to Vehicle Owners Against Theft

Officials asked vehicle owners to lock their cars, keep keys and key fobs out of the vehicle overnight, and to enhance their home security. It was noted that the majority of the seized vehicles had previously been reported as stolen by their owners, and were then turned over to the Hudson County Sheriff’s Office or the New Jersey State Police. After the insurance processes for the vehicles were completed, some cars were returned to their owners, while a significant portion was returned to insurance companies.