Eight Charged in High-End Car Theft Across New Jersey and Neighboring States

Federal charges have been filed against eight men alleged to have participated in a luxury car theft ring operating across multiple states.

MORRIS COUNTY, N.J. – Eight individuals have been charged in connection with an interstate car theft conspiracy involving high-end vehicles stolen across New Jersey, New York, and surrounding states, as announced by U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger. The defendants, all men, allegedly worked together to steal and transport luxury vehicles across state lines, with some vehicles later used in additional criminal activities.

The defendants include Ahmad Franks, 24, also known as “Mahdi”; Shaquan White, 23, also known as “QBandz” or “Q Bands”; Nathan Braswell, 20, known as “Troub”; Ibn Bellamy, 24, known as “YC”; and Zamir Wright, 20, known as “GBz,” all from Newark. Ryan Bowen, 26, known as “Prob,” and Khyree Lawrence, 20, known as “6,” both of East Orange, N.J., and Mohammed Buhari, 45, known as “Sakina,” from Woodbridge, Virginia, are also named in the complaint. The charges include conspiring to receive, possess, or sell stolen vehicles in interstate commerce. Franks, Bellamy, and Buhari also face additional charges related to the possession, sale, and interstate transportation of stolen cars.

“The defendants are charged with orchestrating a brazen conspiracy to steal high-end, luxury vehicles, targeting our community and profiting from their illegal activities,” U.S. Attorney Sellinger said. “These charges underscore our commitment to work with all of our law enforcement partners to protect the community from the variety of crimes committed by those who seek to enrich themselves unjustly by victimizing our residents.”

According to court documents and statements, the theft ring began under investigation in November 2021 after a spike in high-end car thefts in the region. Authorities allege that between November 2021 and July 2022, Franks exchanged images of over 400 suspected stolen vehicles with other conspirators. The stolen vehicles, including 14 with an estimated value of $550,000, were trafficked across New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and beyond. Some of these cars were reportedly used to facilitate additional thefts, shootings, and even a homicide.

Law enforcement has taken Bellamy and Lawrence into custody as of November 6, 2024. Both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jessica S. Allen in Newark federal court. Buhari remains at large, while the other defendants are already in custody on unrelated charges and are expected to make court appearances in the near future.

The conspiracy charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, or a fine amounting to twice the financial gain or victim loss, whichever is greater. Charges for sale, receipt, or possession of stolen vehicles, along with interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle, carry maximum penalties of up to ten years in prison and similar fines.

The allegations and charges detailed are accusations; the defendants are considered innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.