A 26-year-old man accused of masterminding a luxury car theft operation in Miami and Miami Beach is back behind bars in South Florida after being extradited from New York. Zakria Khan was arrested in New York on April 23 for possession of stolen property, and subsequent investigations revealed he was wanted in South Florida for similar crimes.
Khan had been out on bond since August after his initial arrest at Miami International Airport, where he was charged with operating a luxury car theft ring across various Miami and Miami Beach hotels. According to investigators, Khan targeted a valet service at a Miami Beach hotel and a parking garage in Brickell last year. Surveillance footage allegedly captured Khan involved in towing away luxury vehicles and storing them at a facility in Hollywood.
One of Khan’s victims, Steve Phelan from Texas, reported that his $500,000 Ferrari was stolen as part of Khan’s operation. Phelan’s Ferrari was originally delivered from Texas to South Florida in January. Authorities later found the car in Brickell and discovered a photo showing Khan giving a thumbs-up while receiving the car’s keys.
“He was out on bond when he stole my car. He seems like he’s a career criminal, so I don’t think he’ll change,” Phelan said, expressing his frustration and relief that Khan was caught.
Khan was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in West Miami-Dade, where he is being held without bond. Phelan welcomed the news, stating, “Everyone is excited… Everybody is happy that there is one less organized crime theft ring that targets vehicles that we have. I’m glad that police were able to catch him.”
Khan’s next court hearing is scheduled for next Friday. His arrest and extradition mark a significant victory for local law enforcement in their efforts to combat organized vehicle theft rings.
