PHOENIX, Ariz. (AZFamily) — Three West Valley residents are facing serious charges after law enforcement busted an elaborate luxury vehicle theft ring worth an estimated $2.5 million. The suspects were identified as:
Ali Ahmad, 29, Glendale
Delia Rocha, 32, Glendale
Mario Garcia Rodriguez, 33, Glendale
According to the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS), authorities executed multiple search warrants on Tuesday, uncovering 34 vehicles with altered VINs — 29 of which were confirmed stolen. Investigators also seized weapons and cash during the takedown of what they described as a “sophisticated” criminal operation.
The suspects allegedly stole high-end cars, including Aston Martins, Corvettes, G-Wagons, and even a Rolls Royce, before switching the VINs. The vehicles were then listed on the car-sharing platform Turo under the business name AAA Luxury Rental Car, with rental proceeds funneled to accounts in the Middle East, Mexico, and the U.S.
DPS Capt. Trevor Graff said the operation targeted urban areas where luxury vehicles attract more attention and rental traffic.
The investigation began in late 2024 after suspicions were raised over a potentially VIN-switched Cadillac Escalade. Banking institutions had also flagged unusual money transfers linked to international accounts. Authorities later learned vehicles were being stolen in California, shipped to Avondale, Arizona, and registered fraudulently with help from Rodriguez, a third-party MVD representative.
In one instance, Ali Ahmad admitted to receiving fraudulent VIN label packets from a cartel contact in Nogales, which he would transport back to Phoenix. Ahmad also told investigators he owns a rental business in Dubai and had transferred $160,000 in proceeds to his overseas accounts.
Ahmad is being held on a $250,000 cash-only bond, Rocha on $25,000, and all three have been designated flight risks due to their international connections. While none of the suspects admitted guilt, Rodriguez acknowledged that Ahmad paid him electronically after MVD transactions.
Turo confirmed it is cooperating fully with authorities and emphasized that criminal misuse of the platform is rare.
“This takedown sends a strong message,” said DPS Director Col. Jeffrey Glover. “We are committed to dismantling organized crime and protecting Arizona communities.”
