The Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office has announced the arrests of Alex Van Le, 32, and his mother, Nga Thi Nguyen, 47, in association with a luxury vehicle theft ring case. Authorities say they have recovered vehicles worth about $528,000 altogether after receiving a tip from an informant.

“On Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, Detective (Robert) Hartfield of the Fort Bend County Sheriff’s Office Auto Theft Division received information in reference to possible stolen vehicles located at the residence of 1814 Brea Ridge Trail in Katy, Fort Bend County Texas, commonly known as the subdivision, Willowfork,” said FBCSO Sergeant Daniel Calvillo during a press conference announcing the arrests.

Calvillo said the investigation is ongoing, but investigators were able to recover five luxury vehicles with a combined value of about $528,000. Those vehicles included a 2016 Mercedes S550 worth about $95,000; a 2021 Mercedes S580 valued at about $130,000; a 2018 Audi R8 with an estimated value of $140,000; a 2021 BMW X6 worth an estimated $65,000; and a 2021 Lexus X570 with an approximate value of about $98,000.

Authorities said the investigation has indicated that six area vehicle dealers were associated with the crime ring. Those businesses include Auto Source of Houston; McKenna Motors LLC; A1-Imports; Freeman Auto Sales; PR One Sales LLC; and McKenna of Houston LLC. Fort Bend County Sheriff Eric Fagan said anyone who has purchased a vehicle from one of those establishments is encouraged to reach out to the Auto Theft Unit to have their vehicle reviewed to ensure they were not a victim who was sold a stolen vehicle.

Calvillo said Le and Nguyen faced second-degree felony charges for theft of property. He added that the investigation is ongoing and more suspects could be arrested in the future related to the auto theft ring.

Fagan asked that anyone with information related to the case or similar cases in Fort Bend County reach out to the Auto Theft Division at 281-341-3853.

The Fort Bend County Auto Theft Unit’s website offers these tips to help prevent your vehicles from being stolen or to aid in the recovery of a vehicle if it is stolen:

• Hide your valuables or take them with you.
• Never hide a second set of keys in or on your car.
• Park in well-lit areas or attended lots.
• Never leave your car running.
• Do not leave the registration, title, or personal documents in your car.
• Park with your wheels turned toward the curb, and use your emergency brake.
• If you have a garage use it, however, do not leave the garage door opener in your vehicle.
• Disable your vehicle when leaving it unattended for an extended period.
• Engrave your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or personal I.D. number on expensive accessories and parts.
• Get an ignition or fuel kill switch.
• Get locks for inside your car. e.g. steering wheel locks, floorboard locks, gearshift locks, wheel locks, hood locks, or an armored collar around the steering column.
• Install an alarm.
• Install a vehicle tracking device.
• When purchasing a used vehicle, be very thorough to make sure that it is not stolen.

For more information on the Auto Theft Unit, including vehicle inspections to verify a purchased vehicle is not stolen, visit their website at: https://bit.ly/3lYZFiD.