Sacramento, CA — Tou Sue Vang, 33, was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison for his key role in a large-scale theft and trafficking ring involving stolen catalytic converters valued at over $38 million. Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced the sentencing.
Court records reveal that Tou Vang, along with his brother Andrew Vang and mother Monica Moua, purchased stolen catalytic converters from local thieves and sold them to buyers in New Jersey, notably a company called DG Auto operated by Navin and Tinu Khanna. Catalytic converters, particularly from California vehicles like the Toyota Prius, are highly targeted due to the precious metals they contain, which can be worth more per ounce than gold.
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Vang’s operation shipped large quantities—sometimes over 1,000 pounds per shipment—without any legitimate business licenses, operating from private residences and storage units. Proceeds from these sales funded an extravagant lifestyle, including multiple homes, luxury vehicles such as Teslas and Sea Doos, and high-value property.
As part of the sentencing, federal authorities seized more than $150,000 in cash, 13 vehicles, four personal watercraft, jewelry, and real estate.
This prosecution was part of a nationwide crackdown on catalytic converter theft rings involving multiple defendants across California and New Jersey. The investigation was led by the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation, with help from local law enforcement agencies across California.
Acting U.S. Attorney Beckwith emphasized the importance of interagency collaboration in dismantling criminal conspiracies harming thousands of innocent victims nationwide.
