Three people were arrested for operating a chop shop in Central Florida.
The three men were arrested following an extensive investigation into a large-scale vehicle theft ring operating across multiple states and centered in Hillsborough County.
25-year-old Yoan Gonzalez Solorzano, 24-year-old Javier Penate Berbe, and 31-year-old Christien Ravi Bisnath targeted high-end vehicles from dealerships, auctions, and recent buyers across Florida and other states, stealing an estimated $388,000 in vehicles.
Once stolen, the vehicles were brought to Hillsborough County, where they were sold, dismantled for parts, or altered through fraudulent VIN swaps to conceal their identity and resell for profit, according to law enforcement.
Detectives identified and dismantled a chop shop in Riverview near Tampa, recovering multiple stolen vehicles, including GMC Yukons, Cadillac Escalades, and a Dodge Charger.
Surveillance video shows a 2021 white GMC Yukon Denali, valued at $68,000, being targeted on Causeway Boulevard in Tampa. A silver RAM is seen scouting the area before the Yukon is driven from the lot shortly after.
The stolen Yukon was later recovered at a Riverview property with different wheels, while its original custom rims had been placed on another vehicle.
“This operation was calculated and fueled by greed, targeting hardworking businesses and buyers across multiple communities,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Thanks to the work of our detectives, this criminal enterprise has been shut down. If you profit from crime in Hillsborough County, you will be held accountable.”
All three suspects faced multiple felony charges, including Grand Theft and Operating a Chop Shop. This remains an ongoing investigation, according to local law enforcement.
