On Tuesday, January 17, 2023, detectives with the AZDPS Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) conducted salvage yard business inspections in order to combat chop shop operations at businesses in the area of 4024 to 4124 West Broadway Road in Phoenix.
During the operation, 12 business inspections were conducted and three business search warrants were served. Approximately 2,150 vehicles and motors were inspected, 19 stolen vehicles were recovered, and one suspect was arrested.
Mohammad Moe Lathgani, 36, of Phoenix, was booked into the Maricopa County Jail on charges including one count of chop shop operations, four counts of theft of means of transportation, and one count of possession of dangerous drugs.
Lathgani is the owner of 1st Choice Auto Parts #2 salvage yard.