Pennsylvania officers said they were led there by dozens of people accused of stealing catalytic converters from cars. Last week, Weintraub announced that TDI Towing and 11 people allegedly associated with the endeavor had been charged with crimes. Catalytic converters, which are underneath most cars, turn carbon monoxide and other pollutants into carbon dioxide for cleaner emissions. Starting in 2020, catalytic converter thefts surged in many parts of the world because of supply-chain problems during the coronavirus pandemic. About that time, TDI Towing built a reputation for buying catalytic converters from thieves, officials said.

Source: Washington Post July 04, 2023 00:22 UTC