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Authorities in Pennsylvania and New Jersey say they’ve shut down a one-man car theft operation that used a tow truck as the main tool.

The man at the center of it all is a 33-year-old from Upper Darby named Muhammad Khursheed. He’s now facing charges in both states.

Investigators say Khursheed used a tow truck to lift unsuspecting cars off the street

The tow truck driver likely targeted vehicles parked legally but in vulnerable spots and hauled them straight to junkyards.

Police in Trenton, New Jersey, first got involved after several cars disappeared in quick succession. When they traced a lead to a junkyard in Wrightstown, they found six stolen vehicles. All were eventually returned to their rightful owners, 6abc shared.

But the story didn’t stop at the state line: Philadelphia police had already been working a similar case.

PA police discovered 14 more stolen cars parked at a different junkyard. 

Same pattern, same method…and same suspect.

Combined, that makes 20 stolen vehicles…enough to suggest this wasn’t a crime of opportunity, but a full-on tow truck hustle.

Police say Khursheed’s method was simple but sneaky. By using an actual tow truck, he could pose as a legit operator. It made the thefts appear routine to anyone watching from the sidewalk or their living room window.

At this point, Khursheed is facing charges related to theft, receiving stolen property, and operating a criminal scheme

Investigators haven’t said how long they believe the operation was running or how much money may have changed hands in junkyard payouts. But depending on the value of the stolen vehicles and parts, it could add up quickly.

Authorities say the case is still under investigation, and more charges could follow. Meanwhile, both states are reminding car owners to stay alert, even if their car seems safe where it’s parked.