Canton, Michigan, August 16, 2025
News Summary
Mohamad El-Hadi, owner of Hadi’s Cash for Cars, and his employee Dani Mourad have been charged under an Auto Fraud Task Force investigation. El-Hadi faces multiple felony charges, including operating a chop shop and receiving stolen vehicles, which could lead to significant prison time. Authorities discovered three stolen vehicles at the chop shop, highlighting the ongoing issue of auto theft in Michigan. Both men will appear in court soon as the investigation continues.
Canton, Michigan – Two men from Wayne County have been charged in connection with an illegal chop shop operation. Mohamad El-Hadi, 41, the owner of Hadi’s Cash for Cars in Wayne, faces multiple felony charges, while his employee, Dani Mourad, 44, has also been implicated in the scheme. The charges stem from an investigation by the Auto Fraud Task Force, aimed at addressing auto theft and chop shop operations throughout Michigan.
El-Hadi has been charged with one count of operating a chop shop, a crime that carries a potential sentence of up to ten years in prison. Additionally, he faces three counts of receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle, each of which is punishable by five years in prison. Meanwhile, Mourad has been charged with one count of receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle. El-Hadi was arraigned on August 7 in the 29th District Court and was given a bond of $25,000. Mourad was arraigned the following day, on August 8, and received a bond of $15,000.
Both men are scheduled to appear in court again on August 18. Authorities discovered at least three stolen vehicles on the premises of Hadi’s Cash for Cars, which were located crushed in the business’s tow yard. The stolen vehicles included a 2009 Kia Sorento, a 2013 Honda Odyssey, and a 2017 Buick Encore. Investigators allege that Mourad was involved in picking up at least one of these stolen vehicles.
The investigation was initiated under the Auto Fraud Task Force, which was launched by the Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel earlier this year as part of an effort to combat auto theft. The task force is an extension of the state’s auto insurance fraud task force and aims to dismantle criminal operations that threaten Michigan communities.
In recent years, chop shops, which illegally dismantle stolen vehicles for parts, have become a significant concern for law enforcement. Such operations not only contribute to the crime of auto theft but also impact the community by leading to increased insurance premiums and a loss of trust in law-abiding auto businesses. The Auto Fraud Task Force’s actions mark a proactive step in addressing these issues and bringing offenders to justice.
El-Hadi and Mourad’s alleged activities underline the importance of vigilance in addressing illegal auto operations. The ongoing investigations and prosecutions by the task force serve as a warning that such criminal behavior will not be tolerated in Michigan.
FAQ
What charges are Mohamad El-Hadi and Dani Mourad facing?
Mohamad El-Hadi faces one count of operating a chop shop and three counts of receiving and concealing stolen vehicles. Dani Mourad is charged with one count of receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle.
What penalties are associated with the charges?
Operating a chop shop is a 10-year felony, while each count of receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle carries a penalty of up to five years in prison.
What vehicles were found at Hadi’s Cash for Cars?
At least three stolen vehicles were discovered, including a 2009 Kia Sorento, a 2013 Honda Odyssey, and a 2017 Buick Encore.
What is the Auto Fraud Task Force?
The Auto Fraud Task Force is an initiative aimed at tackling auto theft and illegal chop shop operations in Michigan, expanding upon the state’s auto insurance fraud task force.
Key Features of the Legislative Actions Against Chop Shops
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Legal Charges | El-Hadi charged with operating a chop shop and multiple counts of receiving stolen vehicles; Mourad charged with receiving stolen vehicles. |
| Punishments | El-Hadi could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted, while Mourad potentially faces 5 years. |
| Stolen Vehicles | Three stolen vehicles found on business premises, highlighting the illegal activities. |
| Task Force Role | The Auto Fraud Task Force conducted the investigation to combat auto crime in Michigan. |
| Next Court Date | Both men are scheduled for court on August 18. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Detroit News: Wayne County Men Charged in Chop Shop Operation
- Fox 2 Detroit: Wayne Chop Shop Bust Leads to Charges
- Arab American News: Two Arab-American Men Charged in Chop Shop Case
- CBS News: Two Men Charged in Wayne County Chop Shop Scheme
- Patch: Two Men Charged in Wayne County Chop Shop Operation
- Wikipedia: Chop Shop
- Google Search: Michigan Auto Fraud Task Force
- Google Scholar: Auto Theft in Michigan
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Auto Theft
- Google News: Chop Shop News
Author: STAFF HERE PLYMOUTH WRITER
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