Law enforcement officials in Beaverton, Oregon, have charged fourteen members of a criminal network accused of stealing more than 3,000 catalytic converters from vehicles. Local news outlet KGW8 reported on the development as investigators pursued details of the case.
The investigation into a pattern of thefts targeting high‑value auto parts began in late 2021. Searches conducted at eight different properties uncovered roughly 3,000 catalytic converters, substantial sums of cash, and a luxury automobile, according to law enforcement documents. The seizures provided a clearer picture of how the operations were organized and the scale of the illicit activity.
Authorities identify Patrick Doyle as the alleged leader of the Brennan gang. Prosecutors allege that Doyle sold more than 44,000 stolen converters, amassing approximately $22 million over a two-year period. A key associate, Tanner Lee Hellbush, was arrested in March after authorities recovered 100 converters in his possession as part of ongoing inquiries.
Catalytic converters contain precious metals such as platinum, rhodium, and palladium, which drive thefts from parked and occupied vehicles. U.S. law enforcement officials say the price volatility of these metals on the global market has significantly influenced this criminal activity, enabling organized groups to profit rapidly from each theft while exposing vehicle owners to costly repairs and insurance implications.
In related federal actions, prosecutors previously charged two Hyundai dealership mechanics who were accused of tampering with a customer’s brake system, highlighting that vehicle parts theft and related fraud can emerge across diverse channels within the automotive sector. The Beaverton case adds to a broader national trend where metal prices, organized crime networks, and demand from aftermarket repair markets intersect to push crime rates higher in certain regions.