TAMPA — Because the variety of stolen catalytic converters continues to rise nationwide, Tampa Police say they’ve shut down an area enterprise that had taken in over $500,000 price of the coveted automotive half.
Denis Redzic, 29, and Zijad Nuhanovic, 33, face prices of violation of secondary metals recyclers laws and for working as an unregistered secondary metals recycler — each of that are felonies.
The duo labored for Armando Recycling, an unlicensed enterprise that operated simply east of Ybor Metropolis at 4101 E. twelfth Avenue.
Police mentioned they started a surveillance operation of Armando Recycling after receiving an nameless tip.
Catalytic converters are sought by thieves as a result of they’re pretty straightforward to acquire, in line with the business publication, Car and Driver. They vary in worth from $50 to a few hundred {dollars} every. However demand for the converters in different international locations has precipitated the costs of the metals inside the half, like palladium and rhodium, to skyrocket, in line with the New York Times. Two of the three uncommon earth metals utilized in catalytic converters are price extra per ounce than gold.
To ensure that a recycling enterprise to legally buy catalytic converters, the vendor should have the ability to show that it legally belongs to them, with just some minor exceptions. That’s one thing Armando Recyclers didn’t require sellers to do, police mentioned.
Redzic and Nuhanovic had been arrested Tuesday, information present. Each had been launched after they every posted a $4,000 bail.
In an announcement, Tampa Police issued a warning to each thieves and purchasers of catalytic converters:
“Detectives are sending a robust message to these enterprise homeowners who select to function illegally, in addition to the criminals who’re stealing and promoting: You can be caught, and you’ll be charged.”
