PHOENIX – Three suspects from Glendale are facing felony charges following an Arizona Department of Public Safety operation targeting organized vehicle theft in the Valley.

The Arizona Vehicle Theft Task Force led the operation that resulted in the arrests on June 17 when search warrants were served at seven Valley locations, according to an AZDPS release.

Operation Escalading Switch resulted in the recovery of 29 stolen vehicles valued at nearly $2.5 million, and the seizure of other items, including weapons and cash linked to the theft ring, authorities said.

Those involved stole “high-end vehicles, altering vehicle identification numbers and listing the vehicles on Turo - a peer-to-peer car-sharing platform - for rental by unsuspecting customers within as little as one week of the initial theft,” the release stated.

Profits have been tracked to accounts in the United States, Mexico and the Middle East, DPS officials said in the release.

The suspects are Ali Ahmad, 29, Delia Rocha, 32, and Mario Garcia Rodriguez, 33, according to the release.

“This operation is a testament to the effectiveness of collaborative law enforcement and the dedication of our Vehicle Theft Task Force,” Col. Jeffrey Glover, director of the AZDPS, said.

“We are committed to protecting Arizona’s communities, and this takedown sends a strong message to those engaged in organized crime.”

Local agencies involved include the Surprise, Goodyear, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Tucson and Marana police departments, sheriff’s departments in Maricopa and Pima counties and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office.