May 27, 2021—A Utah man has been arrested for buying and selling stolen catalytic converters, KSL.com reported.
Dzenef Beganovic, 24, was arrested for investigation of engaging in a pattern of unlawful activity and theft by receiving stolen property. Police conducted an undercover investigation, buying several catalytic converters from Beganovic through Facebook Marketplace. Once the department had enough evidence to obtain a search warrant, they found 40 converters in a storage unit and arrested him.
"Several undercover controlled transactions were conducted with (Beganovic) who purchased catalytic converters which had clear indications showing they were stolen property, such as rough angled cuts, pry marks, paint transfer and hesitation cuts," police wrote in an affidavit.
In 2021 thus far, 350 catalytic converter thefts have been reported in Utah, the report said. A total of 650 were reported last year. In 2019, there were just 100 reported thefts.
