Title-washing ring dismantled in Florida after year-long investigation

By Taylor Daugherty

TAMPA, Florida — A man has been arrested for operating a title-washing ring following an extensive investigation by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. The probe began in March 2024 when deputies responded to a fraudulent title attempt at the Plant City Tax Collector’s Office.

Essa Cham, a 46-year-old, attempted to use a fake South Carolina title to retitle a 2022 Mercedes GLE 350 in Florida, leading detectives to Ahmed Njie, a 40-year-old involved in re-vining vehicles for fraudulent retitling, according to the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office. Alongside Cham, two other accomplices, Czedesia Simon, 45, and Seynabou Sall, 42, were identified as part of the operation.

On June 2, 2024, deputies stopped a Range Rover, a vehicle of interest in the investigation, and arrested Njie, who initially provided a false name. The Range Rover, reported stolen on June 18, 2022, by the Lake City Police Department, contained multiple fraudulent VIN stickers. Detectives have linked Njie to seven vehicles, including two Mercedes-Benz, a Toyota, Genesis, Jeep, Dodge, and the Range Rover, with five re-vined and three reported stolen.

Njie, out on bond, was arrested again on January 28, 2025, and faces multiple charges, including RICO Violation, RICO Conspiracy or Endeavor, and Grand Theft Motor Vehicle, among others.

“The diligent work of our detectives has led to the dismantling of this fraudulent operation,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Let this arrest send a message that criminal schemes will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.”

The investigation remains active, with updates to be provided by the Public Affairs Office.

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