In a startling revelation from a year-long investigation named Operation Hellcat, a group of 12 men in Massachusetts has been charged with using advanced technology to steal more than 60 high-end cars valued at over $2.6 million from various dealerships.

Details of the Operation

The sophisticated theft involved breaking into dealerships and using Autel programming devices to create new keys for the vehicles, enabling the thieves to drive away undetected. The stolen vehicles predominantly included high-performance Hellcat-powered Dodges among other luxury cars.

The investigation was a joint effort by 38 local and federal agencies, including the Enterprise and Major Crimes Division, Massachusetts State Police, and Brockton Police Department, which tracked the thefts and eventually led to the arrests of the culprits.

Impact and Arrests

The operation saw a series of car thefts across the state, with significant incidents reported in cities like Quincy where eight cars were stolen in a single event. The technological trail left by the Autel devices, which required user authentication, played a crucial role in tracking down the suspects through cellular data, surveillance footage, and social media activity.

During the arrests, authorities recovered stolen vehicles, Autel programming devices, key fobs, and even firearms, highlighting the extensive nature of the criminal operation.

While the arrest of these individuals has provided some relief, the incident has raised serious concerns about the security measures at automotive dealerships and the sophistication of criminal activities in the automotive sector.