Twelve indicted in Colorado predatory-towing theft ring that targeted truckers

Twelve people were indicted in Colorado over an alleged predatory-towing and vehicle-theft ring that prosecutors say caused about $2.5 million in damages over three years — and one of the victims was a truck driver whose semi was hooked at a crash scene, according to CDLLife on Oct. 12. The indictments were announced Thursday, Oct. 8.

Oscar Salinas and Zaki Merhazi, plus ten others, are accused of running the ring from June 25, 2023 through Sept. 30, 2026, out of Aurora-area businesses including Supreme Towing, On Time Towing, and Greg's Towing and Recovery (tied to Salinas) and Denver Commercial Services and Blue Mountain Towing Ltd. (tied to Merhazi). Prosecutors allege the group used predatory towing — hooking vehicles without proper authorization and holding them for cash fees — backed by forged registrations, titles, repossession statements, and powers of attorney. Vehicles allegedly taken include a Peterbilt semi, five previously stolen tow trucks, two dump trailers, Dodge Chargers, pickups, luxury vehicles, and a travel trailer.

One victim, a truck driver, told investigators the men hooked her semi at a crash scene before she gave full permission, held the rig over a weekend while demanding cash fees, implied they had ties to police, and later showed up at her home demanding the truck's title. She recovered her truck for less than $1,200; other victims paid up to $8,000 to get vehicles back. Both Salinas and Merhazi are in Denver Police custody. (The article's URL references 187 charges; the body text does not repeat that count.)

All charges are allegations. The case is a reminder to get the tow company's name, the officer's name and badge number, and a receipt — in writing — any time a truck is towed from a scene.