Nessel strengthens fight against auto crime with expanded task force

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel has officially expanded the Department’s Auto Insurance Fraud Unit, transforming it into the Auto Fraud Task Force (AFTF) to reflect its broadened mission to combat both auto insurance fraud and large-scale criminal auto theft operations.

Vehicle theft in Michigan has surged in recent years. In 2023, the number of reported motor vehicle thefts was 28,408, a 4.1 percent increase from the previous year and a 48.4 percent jump over the past five years.  

As part of its expansion, AFTF has partnered with the Michigan State Police Metro Detroit Auto-Theft Recovery Team (MSP MDART). Through this collaboration, which launched last month, AFTF has embedded a dedicated prosecutor within MSP MDART to pursue high-level auto theft rings operating in Metro Detroit.

“With the rise of auto thefts across our communities, expanding the Auto Fraud Task Force is an important step to strengthen our fight against both vehicle theft and insurance fraud, crimes that impact far too many Michigan residents each year,” Nessel said. “Through this new structure, we are enhancing our efforts to dismantle these sophisticated, organized auto crime enterprises across our state.”

AFTF will also partner with the Department’s FORCE Team to investigate and prosecute auto theft crime networks. Earlier this year, Nessel announced the arrests of four additional members by the FORCE Team. The suspects were members of an alleged criminal organization responsible for the thefts of hundreds of vehicles in Southeast Michigan. The FORCE Team has charged a total of 14 defendants with criminal enterprise and auto theft offenses.