The most recent scandal related to TDI has no connection to Volkswagen, but it does involve emissions devices. Specifically, a company named TDI Towing based in Philadelphia has been implicated in a criminal organization and is accused of purchasing catalytic converters worth up to $8.2 million over the past three years, according to authorities.
On Tuesday, Bucks County District Attorney Matt Weintraub revealed the crackdown. The district attorney’s office has filed charges against 10 adults and one juvenile as a result of a year-long investigation that involved numerous local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Reportedly, TDI Towing and its owner were significant purchasers of stolen catalytic converters, some of which were still hot when captured on surveillance footage. In fact, the converters were so fresh that they needed to be cooled down in water. This information comes from police reports cited by CBS News.
According to investigators cited by The Philadelphia Inquirer, TDI Towing allegedly paid thieves up to $10,000 per night during its peak for stolen catalytic converters in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Between 2020 and 2023, the towing company is believed to have acquired approximately 27,300 converters, totaling an estimated value of $8.2 million.
Authorities depict the owner as the mastermind behind the operation, aided by his predominantly family member employees. Additionally, police apprehended several individuals responsible for physically removing the parts from vehicles, referred to as “cutters.”
District Attorney Weintraub expressed his intention to permanently shut down TDI Towing through this case, referring to it as a “corporate death sentence.” Investigators are now seeking information from victims who may be eligible for reimbursement.
Catalytic converter thefts surged throughout North America during the pandemic. These emissions control devices contain valuable rare metals, leading to their increased worth and transforming them into a lucrative target. Being located beneath vehicles as part of the exhaust system, they are relatively easy to cut off, attracting individuals seeking financial gain during a time of great uncertainty.
However, for vehicle owners, the loss of a catalytic converter goes beyond mere inconvenience. These parts are valued at hundreds to thousands of dollars, and replacing them can be even more costly due to the need for integration into the exhaust system.
To reduce the risk of catalytic converter theft, authorities recommend parking vehicles indoors when possible and engraving the vehicle identification number (VIN) onto the part. This helps facilitate identification following operations like the one described above.
— Bucks County District Attorney’s Office (@BucksDa) June 30, 2023
