Investigators Arrest Scrap Metal Business Owner

December 18, 2007 - Investigators from the Houston Police Department’s Burglary and Theft Division have arrested and charged a suspect responsible for the theft and sale of thousands of pounds of scrap brass valued at $70,000 to a scrap metal business in Houston.

The suspect, Iftikhar Amir Alvi (W/m, DOB: 3-19-62), is charged with felony theft in the 337th State District Court.

On December 10, investigators from the HPD Burglary and Theft Division were notified by the owner of S & H Trading, a scrap metal business in the City of Houston, that he had purchased 11050 pounds of brass from Alvi, the owner of A & A Recycling, that matched those from a recent theft alert. On December 11, The material was positively identified as belonging to S & H Trading.

Further investigation determined Alvi sold the brass to S & H Trading within a few hours after obtaining it for $22,100 and did not have the state required records to identify where he acquired the brass. Alvi told investigators he paid $7,000 for the material and also stated his business was not in the city limits and did not need to follow city rules. Alvi was informed by investigators he must follow state mandated requirements which state materials must be held for a minimum of 72 hours.

On Monday (December 17), the case was presented to the Harris County District Attorney’s office, a felony theft charge was filed and the $22,100 Alvi was paid for the sale of the brass was also recovered. Alvi was arrested today (December 18) without incident.

VHS/NJM 12-18-07
Inc.# 181031807

For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200.