HOOVER, Ala. (WIAT) -- Two brothers from Hoover have been sentenced for running an online fencing scheme resulting in the sale of over $1 million worth of stolen goods, according to U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and U.S. Secret Service Special Agent in Charge Patrick Davis.
U.S. District Judge Madeline Haikala sentenced Abdurrahman Amar, 32, to 34 months in prison and Yahya Amar, 33, to 30 months in prison.
Both pleaded guilty to one count each of conspiracy to engage in the interstate transportation of stolen goods in August and September of 2024.
According to their plea agreement, from Jan. 2022- Dec. 2023, Abdurrahman Amar organized and led a network of "boosters," or professional thieves. These individuals regularly offered the Amar brothers various new and unopened goods for purchase, often personal electronic devices and tools. The Amars were aware that these goods were obtained by stealing them from retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, Home Depot and Lowes.
After purchasing these goods at a steep discount, the Amars listed them on online resale platforms like eBay and Facebook at marked up prices that still remained below the items' retail value.
Over the course of the scheme, the Amars completed approximately 7,283 sales of stolen goods online, resulting in a total of around $1,014,191.44. The items were shipped to customers throughout the United States and internationally.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Secret Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett A. Janich.