Two Hoover brothers have been sentenced for their involvement in a multi-million-dollar online fencing operation that sold stolen goods to customers across the U.S. and internationally, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Alabama announced on Thursday.
Abdurrahman Amar, 32, was sentenced to 34 months in prison, while his brother, Yahya Amar, 33, received a 30-month sentence. Both brothers pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to transport stolen goods across state lines, according to court records.
From January 2022 to December 2023, Abdurrahman Amar organized and led a group of thieves known as “boosters,” who regularly stole high-value merchandise, including electronics and tools, from major retailers such as Walmart, Target, Home Depot, and Lowe’s. The Amars purchased these stolen items at a significant discount, knowing they were illicit goods.
The brothers then resold the stolen products online through platforms such as eBay and Facebook Marketplace. They listed the items for prices below retail value but still marked them up from the prices they paid to the thieves. The operation, which involved around 7,283 transactions, generated approximately $1,014,191 in sales revenue.
To further hide the origins of the stolen merchandise, the Amars repackaged and shipped the goods discreetly to customers both within the U.S. and internationally. Their scheme enabled a steady flow of illegal profits until it was dismantled by law enforcement.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service in cooperation with other federal and local agencies. The sentence serves as a reminder of the severe consequences for individuals involved in fencing stolen goods, particularly through online platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace.