Will Removing The Catalytic Converter Make Exhaust Louder

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The states constabulary seize $US22 million in stolen catalytic converters

An investigation by United states of america police has uncovered a criminal offence band responsible for the theft of more 44,000 catalytic converters throughout 2021. The anti-pollution exhaust filters – which contain precious metals – had a street value in backlog of $US22 million.

US police seize $US22 million in stolen catalytic converters-0

A police operation in the U.s. city of Portland, Oregon has uncovered more than than 44,000 catalytic converters stolen from car exhausts – with an estimated street value of $US22 million ($AU31 million).

The anti-pollution exhaust filters are targeted past thieves considering their precious metals can exist sold to unscrupulous recyclers – and the stolen parts are next to impossible to trace.

According to the Beaverton Police Section, 14 criminals were indicted for their interest in stealing and selling the catalytic converters.

Catalytic converters contain precious metals such is Rhodium, which is worth $US479 ($AU681) per gram, more than than eight times the value of aureate ($US57 or $AU81 per gram).

Virtually catalytic converters incorporate between ane to ii grams of Rhodium, leading some Australian car wrecking yards to pay from $30 to $1400 for each particular, which are then sold to metal recyclers.

The investigation into the US catalytic converter crime ring began in late 2021 when the Beaverton Police Department discovered a local resident, Tanner Lee Hellbusch, was selling the stolen frazzle parts to unscrupulous operators prepared to turn a blind eye.

In March 2022, Hellbusch was stopped by police while he was transporting more 100 stolen catalytic converters in his selection-up, with that booty of illegal appurtenances worth approximately $US80,000 ($AU113,750).

Further investigations led to the abort of crime ring leader Brennan Patrick Doyle later police force found more than 3000 catalytic converters on his holding in Lake Oswego, Oregan.

Doyle, Hellbusch and 12 other associates accept since been indicted on multiple charges, including racketeering, aggravated theft and money laundering, according to a media statement from the Beaverton Police Department.

Although the crime ring was based in Oregon, information technology operated throughout the US in states such Washington, Nevada, California, Texas, and New York.

A search of eight Usa backdrop last calendar week included the seizure of "hundreds of thousands of dollars in cash, a high end vehicle, and jewellery", according to the Beaverton Police Department.

As reported past Drive before this year, Australian police have warned car owners about the increase in catalytic converter thefts due to the rising value of the precious metals they comprise.

Criminals have been known to cutting or disassemble catalytic converters from cars while they have been parked in driveways, machine parks and dealer lots.

Ane criminal reportedly crawled under at least 5 cars in a Sydney shopping centre car park, removing the catalytic converter from each ane.

Catalytic converters have been mandatory on all new petrol-powered cars sold in Australia since 1986.

They are designed to reduce emissions and baneful gases produced past petrol engines such every bit nitrogen oxide and carbon monoxide.

Tell-tale signs of a missing catalytic converter include louder exhaust noises and a rough-running engine.

Information technology is illegal to bulldoze a car without a catalytic converter in Commonwealth of australia if information technology was designed to have one.

If you lot have any data about the theft of catalytic converters or believe yours has been stolen, contact Criminal offence Stoppers (1800 333 000).

Jordan Mulach is Canberra/Ngunnawal born, currently residing in Brisbane/Turrbal. Joining the Drive team in 2022, Jordan has previously worked for Automobile Activity, MotorsportM8, The Supercars Commonage and TouringCarTimes, WhichCar, Wheels, Motor and Street Motorcar. Jordan is a self-described iRacing aficionado and can be found on weekends either behind the bike of his Octavia RS or swearing at his ZH Fairlane.