A sophisticated, multi-state theft ring comprising at least 14 individuals is accused of pilfering nearly $5 million worth of vehicles from Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) between 2023 and November 2024. According to a search warrant obtained by NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth, authorities have identified approximately 14 suspects connected to the theft of roughly 52 cars, resulting in a total loss of $4.9 million.
DFW Airport confirmed to Fox News Digital that recent arrests have significantly disrupted organized crime rings and substantially decreased car thefts. Reported thefts dropped from 142 in 2023 to 60 through November 2024, a reduction of almost 58%. The airport noted that thieves primarily target high-end muscle cars and luxury SUVs, reflecting a broader national trend in vehicle theft.
Despite the thefts, the number of incidents remains relatively low considering the 3.4 million vehicles parked at DFW annually. Security expert Eric Brown, founder and CEO of Imperio Consulting and a 24-year Green Beret veteran, likened the organized theft ring's tactics to those employed by transnational crime networks and terrorist cells, emphasizing their focus on exploiting vulnerabilities and predictable routines. He advised travelers to park in well-lit areas, lock their vehicles, secure valuables, and activate any security systems.
The theft ring's operations reportedly extend across several western states, including Texas, New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada. The alleged ringleader, Yoel Hernandez-Frometa, 37, allegedly utilized "Autel devices," auto diagnostic tools, to reprogram key fobs. Gene Petrino, co-owner of Survival Response LLC and a retired SWAT commander, confirmed that such tools are commonly misused by theft rings to bypass security systems and target vehicles with high resale value.
Hernandez-Frometa and two accomplices were apprehended in Salt Lake City in July following a police chase. Authorities discovered blank car key fobs, keycards to a nearby motel, and additional evidence of a coordinated car theft operation in the suspects' motel room. The Salt Lake City Police Department highlighted that the arrested individuals had no ties to the city.
Experts emphasize the complexity of combating these multi-jurisdictional theft rings, which often involve specialized teams for scouting, technical manipulation, and resale. Both Brown and Petrino stressed the necessity of coordinated efforts between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to effectively disrupt these networks. The FBI's Dallas Field Office is reportedly assisting DFW Airport Police with the ongoing investigation.
