An e-scrap processing firm is under investigation for allegedly purchasing stolen catalytic converters. | Courtesy of Fremont Police Department
Arrow Recovery is under investigation by local police for buying large quantities of black market catalytic converters, despite some having “stolen” etched onto them by undercover officers.
“The goal of this long-term operation was to shut down a major pathway for criminals to sell stolen catalytic converters, thereby reducing the desire of thieves to victimize community members and businesses,” a press release from the Fremont Police stated.
Located in Fremont, Calif., Arrow recycles e-scrap and catalytic converters and recently had its R2 certification renewed. The company did not respond to a request for comment.
Fremont detectives worked “tirelessly over the last year” to investigate the metals company, the press release stated, and “identified Arrow Recovery as a business that was accepting stolen catalytic converters that were later recovered.”
“Accordingly, detectives began an operation where an undercover officer sold cut catalytic converters to Arrow Recovery marked or etched with ‘stolen’ or other markings suggesting they had been illegally obtained,” the press release noted. “During the several-month operation, Arrow Recovery repeatedly purchased stolen catalytic converters from undercover detectives.”
Arrow Recovery was served a search warrant in June 2022, and detectives found “multiple 55-gallon drums of refined and semi-refined catalytic converter material, along with approximately eight pallets containing at least 300 suspected stolen catalytic converters,” police said.
According to the press release, police collected a large amount of evidence “requiring multiple tow trucks and trips” and will continue to work with the Alameda County District Attorney’s office to prosecute Arrow Recovery for receiving stolen property.
“In addition, permitting and environmental impact penalties will be evaluated and levied where appropriate,” the press release added.
Fremont has reportedly also seen a drop in catalytic converter thefts over the last few months, which “corresponds with this investigation,” the press release stated, noting that “this remains an active and ongoing investigation, and additional details may become available as the investigation unfolds.”
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