Regional News: California plea puts final wrapper on nationwide stolen catalytic convertor criminal operation

The ringleader of a sprawling nationwide catalytic converter theft enterprise pleaded guilty in federal court today, admitting to a scheme that netted more than $600 million in stolen auto parts.

Navin Khanna

Navin Khanna, 31, confessed to conspiring with others to buy and sell stolen catalytic converters through his New Jersey-based operation, D.G. Auto Parts. Khanna pleaded guilty to conspiracy and multiple counts of engaging in unlawful monetary transactions.

Federal prosecutors say Khanna’s criminal network exploited communities across Oklahoma, Texas, and beyond by purchasing vast quantities of stolen converters, which were shipped to New Jersey and resold to metal refineries extracting precious metals.

"Khanna’s theft ring preyed on hard-working citizens, rendering vehicles inoperable while fueling a lucrative black market,” said U.S. Attorney Clint Johnson of the Northern District of Oklahoma. “Thanks to the tireless work of local and federal law enforcement, this senseless crime was brought to justice.”

In total, Khanna agreed to forfeit over $3 million in cash, luxury cars, real estate interests, gold bars, high-end jewelry, and more than 200 pallets of catalytic converters seized during the investigation.

Following a spike in thefts across Tulsa in 2020, police launched a multi-state probe that uncovered the scale of the scheme. Search warrants were executed in Oklahoma, Texas, California, New Jersey, and New York. More than 20 individuals have been charged in connection with the conspiracy.

Khanna’s co-defendants — including associates from Oklahoma, New York, and Texas — have pleaded guilty to charges ranging from conspiracy to money laundering and misprision of a felony. Collectively, they’ve agreed to forfeit tens of millions in cash, assets, and stolen property.

The case was prosecuted jointly by the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in Oklahoma and California, with investigative support from Homeland Security, IRS-Criminal Investigation, state and local agencies, and tribal law enforcement. It was handled under the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces initiative.

Khanna’s sentencing will be held in the Eastern District of California, where additional charges are pending.