Authorities: Catalytic Converter Theft Ring Operated In Bucks, Other Counties

Authorities have dismantled a catalytic converter theft ring that they alleged to have operated in Bucks and surrounding counties.

The announcement was made by Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele and Delaware County District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer on Thursday.

Those arrested were Sharief Louden, 30, of Philadelphia; Daniel McIlhenney, 37, and Ryan McIlhenney, 36, both of Folcroft; Terrell Gibson, 40, of Chester; and Loai Nasser, 49, of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Additionally, an arrest warrant has been issued for Ali Sayyam, 29, of Ocean, New Jersey.

The investigation began in 2022 after a sharp increase in catalytic converter thefts in the Philadelphia-area counties.

The thefts were motivated by the high prices of metals like platinum, palladium, and rhodium found in the devices—rhodium once sold for as much as $31,000 an ounce during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, officials said.

The group targeted vehicles in high-traffic areas, including shopping centers, business parks, Philadelphia International Airport, and Drexel University. They were able to remove a catalytic converter in less than two minutes, police said.

The stolen converters were then sold to salvage yards operated by the defendants, including Big Head Auto Salvage and Philly Auto Salvage on 61st Street in Philadelphia.

The businesses allegedly sold the converters to various outlets in New Jersey.

In 2023, Philly Auto Salvage sold converters totaling over $1 million, while Big Head Auto Salvage’s sales exceeded $300,000, police said.

“These organized theft crews were responsible for a large portion of the catalytic converter thefts in the Southeastern Pennsylvania region. They caused significant financial hardship for vehicle owners while undermining the safety of our communities,” said Steele.

The investigation involved nearly 20 law enforcement agencies, including the Bucks County Detectives, Pennsylvania State Police, and the FBI.

The defendants face multiple felony counts, including corrupt organization, theft of catalytic converter, receiving stolen property, theft of secondary metal, and related charges.

Editor’s Note: All individuals arrested or charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The story was compiled using information from police and public court documents.