In a major breakthrough in a luxury car theft investigation, Irvine police have arrested a man suspected of running an elaborate stolen vehicle operation. Zihua Zhang, 37, was taken into custody on Thursday after being stopped while driving a stolen Dodge Durango SRT with an altered vehicle identification number (VIN).
Investigators allege Zhang is connected to at least five vehicle thefts in the Irvine area, including the theft of a $285,000 purple McLaren. The high-end sports car, which had been reported stolen, was discovered at Zhang’s residence in the Woodbridge neighborhood.
During a search of Zhang’s home, police uncovered fraudulent VIN plates, fake license plates, counterfeit checks, and three unregistered firearms. Authorities believe Zhang was purchasing stolen luxury vehicles, altering their VINs, and reselling them under falsified identities.
“This was a sophisticated operation,” an Irvine Police Department spokesperson said. “Zhang’s methods suggest involvement in a larger criminal network specializing in luxury car theft and fraud.”
Police say Zhang had been under investigation for about a month before his arrest. The stolen McLaren is just one of several vehicles linked to the alleged operation, which may extend beyond Irvine and involve additional suspects.
Zhang is now facing multiple charges, including vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, and firearms violations. He was booked into Orange County Jail and remains in custody as the investigation continues.
Authorities are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact Irvine police. As the investigation unfolds, it may reveal a broader network of luxury car thefts affecting Southern California.
The recovery of the McLaren, along with other stolen items, highlights the Irvine Police Department’s commitment to combating organized theft rings and ensuring public safety.
Steven Symes