California Highway Patrol Wraps Two-Month Auto Theft Investigation
The California Highway Patrol has concluded a two-month probe into the theft of a large number of luxury cars. While officials released few specifics, they confirmed that a search conducted in the San Fernando Valley last week yielded several stolen vehicles. Among the discovered cars were an Aston Martin Vantage, a Bentley Continental GT, and a Corvette C8, illustrating a broad spectrum of high-end brands involved in the case.
In addition to the marquee brands, photos from the operation captured crossovers from Mercedes-Benz and BMW 8 Series, hinting at a diverse fleet linked to the theft ring. A complete roster of all recovered vehicles was not immediately released, but the statement highlighted brands such as Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, and Porsche. The combined assessed value of the vehicles was estimated at 2.3 million dollars, underscoring the financial scale of the incident.
The investigation’s reach appeared to extend beyond the thefts themselves. Law enforcement disclosed the discovery of a cannabis plantation with more than 400 bushes and several weapons at a residence tied to the case. Police noted that theft suspects in the region are frequently connected to other criminal activities, including gun possession and drug trafficking, suggesting a broader pattern of criminal behavior associated with the operation.
Local media corroboration from major outlets indicates that the cars were found parked in the backyard of a home associated with a 39-year-old named Vaha Chavushyan. This information helps to situate the case within a specific community context and may influence ongoing investigative steps as officers pursue additional leads and potential accomplices. [LA Times]
As the CHP wraps up the formal phase of the inquiry, authorities emphasize ongoing monitoring of vehicle theft trends, collaboration with neighboring jurisdictions, and the potential for further charges if additional evidence emerges. The case serves as a reminder of how borderless, cross-county criminal networks can move luxury assets and how law enforcement leverages targeted searches and court-authorized warrants to disrupt such operations. The public is advised to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity related to car sales or storage, and ensure proper documentation for high-value vehicles to aid future investigations. [AP]