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FBI, police remove boxes from catalytic converter business in Providence


Providence police cruisers are shown parked outside Accurate Converter on Branch Avenue, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. The FBI said it was conducting "court-authorized" activity. (WJAR)
Providence police cruisers are shown parked outside Accurate Converter on Branch Avenue, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2023. The FBI said it was conducting "court-authorized" activity. (WJAR)
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FBI agents and police officers removed boxes Thursday from a business in Providence that specializes in catalytic converters.

Dozens of federal agents and local police gathered at Accurate Converter on Branch Avenue Thursday morning for what the Boston FBI Division called "court-authorized activity."

It's still unclear what the FBI was searching for and for what reason. The FBI Boston Division released a statement.

"The FBI and our law enforcement partners are conducting court-authorized activity in connection with an ongoing federal investigation. To protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation, I’m going to refrain from commenting on its substance at this time. At this time, there is no threat to public safety," spokeswoman Kristen Setera said.

Accurate Converter specializes in buying, processing and refining catalytic converters and also has shops in the West and Midwest.

Catalytic converter thefts have been an ongoing issue in Rhode Island, with ties to the shop.

A Warwick business told NBC 10 it used Apple AirTags to track down a stolen converter at the Providence location last fall.

Providence police also confirmed Accurate Converter was cited for violating a city ordinance at cracking down on stealing and reselling the coveted part.

NBC 10 News observed a FBI evidence response team removing boxes and what appeared to be scrap metal from a garage while Providence police cruisers blocked off access to the business.

Accurate's ownership declined to comment on the investigation, but said it's retained counsel.

NBC 10 learned the U.S. Attorney's Office is working with the FBI in the investigation.

NBC 10's Cal Dymowski contributed to this report.

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