Acting New Jersey Attorney General John Hoffman says more than 160 vehicles were recovered in the 10-month investigation.
He says those arrested range from people who committed carjackings to others who paid them $4,000 to $8,000 each for the cars to those who oversaw the operation.
They're charged with crimes including carjacking, racketeering and money laundering.
Many of the cars were stolen in northern New Jersey and were luxury SUVs made by makers such as Land Rover, BMW and Mercedes Benz. Most of the cars were headed to West Africa.
Authorities say, of the approximately 160 vehicles recovered, about 140 were found at ports in Newark, Elizabeth and Staten Island.
Twenty-six people have been arrested, and six more are being sought.
