Ringleader of a large network that sold stolen cars is arrested in N.J., officials say

State authorities have charged the alleged ringleader and two of his accomplices in a large operation that sold stolen cars with altered vehicle identification numbers.

Yosiel Ruiz-Linares, 33, of Elizabeth, is charged with being the leader of an auto theft trafficking network, conspiracy, trafficking in stolen property, VIN number tampering and various other offenses, the state Attorney General’s Office said in a statement on Wednesday.

Angel M. Amendanosiguencia, 42, of Trenton, is charged with receiving stolen motor vehicles. Yadier Evora-Martinez, 31, of Orlando, faces the charges of conspiracy, receiving stolen property, and transportation and moving of stolen motor vehicles.

Ruiz-Linares is accused of directing others to steal, store, alter vehicle identification numbers and resell both passenger and commercial vehicles.

Last week, New Jersey State Troopers executed a search warrant at a basement-level residence occupied by him. During the search, troopers found more than a dozen credit card skimming devices, 98 blank credit cards, four credit cards issued to other people, fraudulent car titles, VIN programming and re-identification equipment, motor vehicle master keys and burglar tools, authorities said.

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