Asmir Jasarevic, Conspiracy to Transport and Sell Stolen Goods, Missouri 2021

ST. LOUIS – A brazen scheme to buy and sell stolen catalytic converters has been brought to light in St. Louis County, Missouri, as a local man pleaded guilty to his involvement in the crime. Asmir Jasarevic, 33, of Lakeshire, admitted to conspiring to transport and sell stolen goods in U.S. District Court in St. Louis.

Jasarevic’s guilty plea revealed a cunning operation, where he would post solicitations on Facebook claiming to be a licensed dealer seeking to purchase catalytic converters. However, he had no intention of following through on these claims, and instead, would purchase the converters from individuals who had stolen them, often at night and in public places such as parking lots or gas stations.

The converters, which contain trace amounts of precious metals, have been a target for thieves across the country. Jasarevic’s operation was no exception, as he would sell the converters to a recycling company in Illinois, netting just under $50,000. Of this amount, $20,000 came from stolen property.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Maryland Heights Police Department worked together to investigate the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ware prosecuting the charges. Jasarevic is scheduled to be sentenced on December 6, with the conspiracy charges carrying a penalty of up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, or both.

As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that Jasarevic’s operation was not an isolated incident, but rather part of a larger trend of catalytic converter thefts. The precious metals contained within these converters have made them a highly sought-after commodity, with thieves targeting vehicles across the country.

As the courts deal with the fallout of this case, it is clear that the consequences of buying and selling stolen goods will be severe. Jasarevic’s guilty plea serves as a warning to those involved in similar operations, and a reminder that the authorities will not hesitate to take action against those who engage in such activities.

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