News Summary
In Wayne County, Michigan, Mohamad El-Hadi and Dani Mourad face multiple felony charges linked to an illegal chop shop operation. Stolen vehicles were discovered at Hadi’s Cash for Cars, owned by El-Hadi. The charges include operating a chop shop and receiving stolen property. Authorities aim to combat auto theft through ongoing investigations and task force measures.
Wayne County, Michigan – Two men, Mohamad El-Hadi, 41, of Canton, MI, and Dani Mourad, 44, of Dearborn Heights, MI, have been charged with multiple felonies related to an illegal chop shop operation. The charges come after an investigation revealed that stolen vehicles were discovered at Hadi’s Cash for Cars, a business owned by El-Hadi.
El-Hadi faces serious charges, including one count of operating a chop shop, which carries a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison. Additionally, he has been charged with three counts of stolen property for receiving and concealing motor vehicles, each of which could result in a five-year prison term. Mourad, working as an employee at Hadi’s Cash for Cars, has been charged with one count of receiving and concealing a motor vehicle.
The allegations against El-Hadi and Mourad stem from a law enforcement investigation that led to the discovery of at least three stolen vehicles on the premises. These vehicles include a 2009 Kia Sorento, a 2013 Honda Odyssey, and a 2017 Buick Encore, all of which were found crushed in the tow yard associated with the business. Authorities believe Mourad was involved in picking up at least one of these stolen vehicles.
Arraignment and Bond Details
Both men were brought before the 29th District Court in Wayne for arraignment, with El-Hadi’s appearance occurring on August 7 and Mourad’s on August 8. Following their arraignment, El-Hadi was granted a bond set at $25,000 personal recognizance, while Mourad’s bond was set lower at $15,000 personal recognizance. A subsequent court date has been scheduled for August 18, 2025, where both men will face the charges against them.
Law Enforcement Response to Auto Theft
The Michigan Attorney General’s Auto Fraud Task Force has been instrumental in addressing the issue of auto theft and chop shop operations across the state. Formed as an expansion of the former Auto Insurance Fraud Unit, this task force aims to combat the rising incidence of vehicle thefts. They work in conjunction with the Michigan State Police Metro Detroit Auto-Theft Recovery Team to dismantle high-level auto theft rings, a move that highlights the ongoing efforts to tackle auto-related crimes in Michigan.
The charges against El-Hadi and Mourad are part of a broader pattern of enforcement actions taken against chop shops in the area. Previous cases have resulted in various charges against several Michigan residents, underlining the severity of the auto theft problem that law enforcement agencies are striving to combat.
Impact of Chop Shop Operations
Chop shops play a significant role in the overall vehicle theft ecosystem. They are often linked to organized crime, where stolen vehicles are dismantled for parts and sold on the black market. This not only affects vehicle owners but also contributes to a sense of insecurity among the public regarding vehicle safety and theft. The ongoing investigations and prosecutions serve as a warning to others involved in similar illegal activities.
As law enforcement continues to crack down on operations like Hadi’s Cash for Cars, the hope is that reducing the prevalence of chop shops will lead to a decline in auto theft incidents across Michigan.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News
- CBS News
- Patch
- Fox 2 Detroit
- MLive
- Wikipedia: Chop Shop
- Google Search: Chop shop auto theft
- Google Scholar: Chop shop operations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Auto Theft
- Google News: Wayne County chop shop
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
