Jacksonville, FL – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Auto Crimes Unit has dismantled an illegal chop shop operation, leading to the arrest of 31-year-old convicted felon Vladislav Budnik earlier this year.
The investigation began after detectives recovered a stolen vehicle and learned the victim had unknowingly purchased it from Budnik through Facebook Marketplace. A subsequent search warrant at Budnik’s home uncovered a backyard chop shop. Inside, investigators found multiple vehicles with removed VIN numbers, several stolen cars, and four catalytic converters.
Budnik was taken into custody and booked into the Duval County Jail, where he faces multiple felony charges.
Authorities emphasized the impact of chop shops on the community, noting they contribute to rising repair costs, higher insurance premiums, and increased vehicle theft.
Officials also reminded residents to exercise caution when buying vehicles online, warning that “if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is.”
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