A sophisticated, multi-state auto theft ring, comprising at least fourteen individuals, is alleged to have plundered nearly $5 million worth of vehicles from the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) between 2023 and November 2024. This revelation comes from a search warrant obtained by local news outlets, shedding light on the organized nature of the operation. The affidavit identifies approximately fourteen suspects and links them to the theft of around 52 vehicles from DFW, with the total value of the stolen property estimated at a staggering $4.9 million. DFW Airport officials have confirmed the ongoing investigation and highlighted recent arrests that have significantly disrupted the ring’s activities and led to a substantial decline in reported car thefts. They acknowledge the nationwide prevalence of auto theft, which has unfortunately impacted airports and other public spaces across the country. The thieves appear to be primarily targeting high-end muscle cars and luxury SUVs.
Despite the substantial financial losses, the number of thefts remains relatively low considering the sheer volume of vehicles parked at DFW annually—around 3.4 million. Security experts draw parallels between the tactics employed by these organized theft rings and those used by transnational criminal networks and terrorist cells. They exploit vulnerabilities, target weak security measures, and capitalize on predictable routines. Travelers are advised to take proactive steps to safeguard their vehicles, such as parking in well-lit areas, locking doors, removing valuables or concealing them from view, and ensuring that any alarm or tracking systems are activated. The ring’s operations extend beyond Texas, reaching into other states in the West, including New Mexico, Utah, and Nevada.
The alleged ringleader, Yoel Hernandez-Frometa, 37, is accused of using specialized automotive diagnostic tools, known as “Autel devices,” to reprogram key fobs, enabling the theft of vehicles. These devices, typically intended for legitimate use by locksmiths and mechanics, are manipulated to mimic or reset vehicle keys, bypassing modern security systems. The thieves strategically select vehicles based on market demand and resale value. The organized nature of these rings is further exemplified by their division of labor; different teams handle specific tasks, such as scouting for high-value vehicles, forging paperwork, and arranging storage or resale. This compartmentalization contributes to their adaptability and makes tracking them a complex endeavor.
In July, Hernandez-Frometa and two accomplices, Jose Alejandro Pavon-Estopian, 30, and Vainer Pinollotoro, 29, were apprehended in Salt Lake City, Utah, following a police pursuit. The trio was initially observed scrutinizing vehicles at the Salt Lake City airport. When authorities attempted a traffic stop, the suspects fled, leading to a multi-agency pursuit and their eventual detention. A search of one suspect’s backpack revealed a trove of blank car key fobs, and subsequent investigations, including a search of their motel room, uncovered further evidence of their involvement in the car theft operation: a laptop, electronic signaling hardware, and key fob programming devices. None of the three suspects had any known ties to Salt Lake City. The remaining eleven suspects linked to the ring are still at large.
The intricate structure of these theft rings highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement. Members operate across multiple jurisdictions, assuming specialized roles. Some scout potential targets, others handle the technical aspects of reprogramming key fobs, and still others manage the transportation and resale of stolen vehicles. This dispersed operational model makes tracking and prosecution incredibly difficult. Furthermore, the multi-state nature of these operations necessitates extensive coordination between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Often, local police departments are stretched thin, lacking the resources required to pursue complex, multi-jurisdictional investigations, especially when the car thefts are linked to broader criminal enterprises.
To effectively combat these sophisticated theft rings, a collaborative approach is essential. Just as with larger security threats, local, state, and federal authorities must pool their resources and expertise. This joint effort allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the ring’s activities, enabling law enforcement to connect disparate pieces of information and dismantle the entire network. While not an easy undertaking, persistent teamwork and resource sharing are crucial to disrupting these operations and protecting the public. The FBI’s Dallas Field Office is cognizant of the theft ring and is providing support to DFW Airport Police in their ongoing investigation.
