Rhode Island Theft Ring Busted: High-End Vehicle Scheme Stopped in Multi-State Investigation

Rhode Island Theft Ring Busted: High-End Vehicle Scheme Stopped in Multi-State Investigation

A major luxury car theft ring has been dismantled following the arrest of four Rhode Island men accused of orchestrating a multi-state scheme, stealing millions of dollars’ worth of high-end vehicles from dealerships across the Northeast. This elaborate criminal operation targeted some of the most prestigious car brands, including Porsche, Rolls Royce, Bentley, and Land Rover, and it underscores the increasingly sophisticated nature of modern car theft rings.

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The Operation

Between February and July of 2023, the four suspects—Belter Giron, 28; Alberto Rivera, 24; Richard Robinson, 32; and Onix Eduardo, 27—are alleged to have burglarized over a dozen car dealerships spanning Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania. During these burglaries, approximately 120 vehicles, valued at around $5 million, were stolen. The list of stolen cars reads like a catalog of dream vehicles—BMWs, Mercedes, Bentleys, and more.

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The stolen vehicles weren’t the only targets; the group also stole motorcycles and dirt bikes from dealerships in Pennsylvania and Massachusetts. One Pennsylvania dealership alone lost 19 Husqvarna motorcycles, adding to the haul of the alleged thieves.

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High-Tech Methods Meet Reckless Escapes

What makes this case particularly alarming is the strategic approach employed by the suspects. According to federal prosecutors, the men meticulously researched their targets before embarking on these thefts. They traveled from Rhode Island to various dealerships, breaking into the businesses in the early morning hours and driving the stolen cars back to their home state.

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Surveillance footage and court documents detail the lengths the group went to in order to avoid detection. Police interrupted them on several occasions, but the suspects fled using reckless driving tactics and coordinated their escapes via cell phones. The footage includes an instance from March 2023, in which Giron and Robinson were seen covering a stolen Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk in a Providence driveway.

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Despite their efforts, law enforcement authorities have recovered 41 of the stolen vehicles and 11 dirt bikes. One of the vehicles—a $96,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee—was part of a theft that occurred in New Hampshire, and its retrieval highlights the persistence of investigators in tracking down stolen property.

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The Arrest and Charges

The end of this crime spree came through intensive police work and collaboration across state lines. Belter Giron, who is accused of being the ringleader, allegedly handpicked dealerships to target and coordinated the sales of the stolen cars. When Giron was arrested in August 2023, investigators reportedly found searches on his phone related to stolen vehicles and the locations of parking garages where some of the stolen cars were later found.

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Rivera, Robinson, and Eduardo each faced their own fates in federal court. While Giron and Eduardo remain in federal custody, Rivera was sent back to the Adult Correctional Institution (ACI) and Robinson was released on bond. As the legal process continues, the severity of the charges—conspiracy to commit interstate transportation of stolen property and interstate transportation of stolen property—signals that these men could face long prison sentences if convicted.

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A Growing Trend of High-End Car Thefts

This case is indicative of a larger trend in the luxury car theft market. Criminals are becoming more brazen and strategic, often crossing state lines to carry out their schemes. The stolen Range Rover, discovered in a shipping container bound for Africa, exemplifies the global reach of these theft rings. Stolen luxury vehicles can fetch significant sums of money on the black market, especially when smuggled overseas.

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However, the rapid recovery of many stolen vehicles in this case suggests that law enforcement is becoming more adept at thwarting these operations. Enhanced surveillance, interstate collaboration, and the use of digital forensics are proving to be critical tools in recovering stolen property and bringing criminals to justice.

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The Road Ahead

With their theft ring disrupted, these four suspects now await the full extent of the justice system. Yet, this case serves as a reminder to luxury car owners and dealerships alike to be vigilant. As the methods used by thieves continue to evolve, so too must the measures taken to protect high-value assets. From advanced key management systems like 1Micro’s iSafe Pro 6.0 to heightened dealership security protocols, preventing future thefts will require a proactive approach. For now, the streets of the Northeast are a little safer, with one more criminal enterprise brought to an end.