Chop shops are illegal automobile garages that buy stolen cars, disassemble them, and sell the individual parts for a profit. Chop shops often disassemble a car within hours of purchasing it from the thief who stole it—making it difficult for the police and the rightful owner to find the stolen vehicle. Chop shops are often operated in residential garages and small commercial spaces to avoid detection, but are usually part of a large criminal network or organization.

It is a crime under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 2322) to knowingly own, operate, maintain, or control a chop shop. There are significant fines and penalties under federal law for operating a chop shop—up to 15 years imprisonment for a first conviction, with the maximum fine and imprisonment doubled for any subsequent conviction.

States also have criminal laws (located in the penal or criminal code or statutes) that prohibit the operation of a chop shop. An offender may be prosecuted under state chop shop laws in addition to a federal prosecution, or instead of a federal prosecution.

In Missouri, operating a 'chop shop' is illegal under both federal and state law. Federal law, specifically 18 U.S.C. § 2322, criminalizes the knowing ownership, operation, maintenance, or control of a chop shop, with penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment for a first conviction and the possibility of doubled fines and imprisonment for subsequent convictions. Missouri state law also prohibits the operation of chop shops, and these laws are found within the state's penal or criminal code. Individuals involved in chop shops in Missouri can be prosecuted under state law, federal law, or both. The state statutes provide for penalties that may include imprisonment, fines, or both, and are designed to deter the disassembly and sale of stolen vehicles. The exact statute and penalties in Missouri would be detailed in the state's criminal code, reflecting the state's commitment to combatting auto theft and related crimes.