TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Authorities say that 26 people have been indicted for taking part in an international carjacking and theft ring in New Jersey and New York that sent high-end cars to West Africa.

A state grand jury in Mercer County charged three ringleaders, two shippers and 21 associates who stole and fenced the Land Rovers, Porches, Jaguars and other luxury vehicles.

The New Jersey Attorney General's Office says that 160 stolen cars worth more than $8 million were recovered over 10 months as part of "Operation Jacked."

The 26 defendants were all charged with racketeering and conspiracy, while others were charged with carjacking. Four others previously pleaded guilty.

The A.G. says that 36-year-old Leon Nii-Moi, of roselle, 27-year-old Kyle Champagnie, of Irvington, and 40-year-old Omar Smith, of Newark, were the ringleaders. It wasn't immediately clear if they had attorneys.

 

26 indicted as a result of "Operation Jacked," international carjacking and stolen car trafficking syndicate.
26 indicted as a result of "Operation Jacked," international carjacking and stolen car trafficking syndicate. (NJ State Police)
loading...

(Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

More From New Jersey 101.5 FM