An organized theft ring with at least 14 members nationwide has been accused of stealing nearly $5 million worth of vehicles from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport between 2023 and November 2024. The group, comprised of approximately 14 suspects, has stolen a total of 52 cars from the airport, resulting in the significant loss. However, recent arrests have disrupted the crime ring and greatly reduced reported car thefts at DFW Airport, with a 58% decrease in vehicle thefts reported year-over-year. The thieves typically target high-end muscle cars and luxury SUVs, reflecting a broader issue of auto theft being faced by airports and other public facilities across the country.
The theft ring, led by Yoel Hernandez-Frometa, allegedly used auto diagnostic tools known as Autel devices to reprogram key fobs and steal vehicles. These tools can mimic or reset vehicle keys, allowing the thieves to bypass modern security systems. Hernandez-Frometa, along with two others, was arrested in Salt Lake City, Utah, in July on charges related to possession of a stolen vehicle, fleeing from police, and possession of burglary tools. The suspects were caught looking into vehicles at the Salt Lake City airport, and a subsequent investigation uncovered evidence of a coordinated stolen car operation involving the reprogramming of key fobs.
The theft ring is believed to have targeted airports across the West, including locations in Texas, New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada. Members of the ring have specific roles within the operation, with some handling scouting, technical aspects of reprogramming, and transportation and resale of stolen vehicles. These groups often divide tasks to remain flexible and difficult to track, operating in multiple jurisdictions to evade law enforcement. Coordination among local, state, and federal authorities is crucial to combatting these organized theft rings, as complex multi-state investigations require dedicated resources and collaboration.
Law enforcement entities are working together to track down suspects involved in the theft ring, with the FBI’s Dallas Field Office assisting DFW Airport Police in their investigation. While the case is still under investigation, authorities are focused on disrupting the entire theft network and protecting travelers from these organized crime rings. By sharing resources, information, and working collaboratively, law enforcement agencies aim to weaken these criminal enterprises and prevent further thefts. The organized theft ring’s use of Autel devices to steal vehicles highlights the need for improved security measures at airports and public facilities to prevent future incidents of auto theft.
