A federal indictment charges eight men in Detroit with running a vehicle-theft and international smuggling scheme that reportedly shipped stolen cars — many to destinations in the Middle East. Authorities say thieves used juveniles, removed trackers, disassembled vehicles to fit shipping containers, and falsified manifests. Michigan saw 28,408 motor vehicle thefts in 2023, spurring creation of an Auto Fraud Task Force to combat large-scale organized auto theft and insurance fraud.
Federal Indictment Alleges Detroit Ring Shipped Hundreds Of Stolen Cars Overseas — Many Bound For The Middle East
Crime lords turn Motor City into car-theft supermarket for Middle East buyers: ‘Somebody's getting paid’
Federal prosecutors say an organized theft ring based in the Detroit area stole vehicles, consolidated them at local lots, and shipped them overseas — often to buyers in the Middle East. Authorities allege the operation used juveniles for much of the hands-on theft and preparation, and that the vehicles were exported in shipping containers under falsified manifests.
Trucks cross the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, Canada, on March 4, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.
Indictment And Allegations
In September, a 12-count federal indictment in the Eastern District of Michigan charged eight men with conspiring to steal and transport vehicles for international shipment. Prosecutors allege defendants coordinated deliveries of stolen cars to one of four commercial or industrial lots across Metro Detroit, where at least two vehicles would be packed into shipping containers and sent to nearby ports by truck or rail before being exported.
The Port Detroit Port Authority at the General Motors Renaissance Center in Detroit, Michigan on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Named Defendants And Charges
Federal authorities identified the defendants as Haydar Al Haydari (41), Karar Alnakash (43), Abbas Al Othman (42), Mohammed Al Hilo (36), Moustapha Al Fetlawi (46), Terrill Davis (33), David Roshinsky Williams (32) and Mohammed Al Abboodi (35). Each faces at least one count of conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles and one or more counts of transporting stolen vehicles.
Trucks cross the Ambassador Bridge as they carry cargo between Canada and the United States on Feb. 3, 2025, in Detroit, Michigan.
How The Scheme Allegedly Worked
Investigators say groups stole cars from manufacturer lots and public streets, sometimes recruiting juveniles who face lighter penalties to deliver vehicles to storage locations where cars were "cooled off." According to a retired Michigan State Police specialist interviewed by Fox News Digital, thieves removed tracking devices, partially disassembled vehicles to fit them into containers, and labeled shipments as "auto parts" or "household goods" to mislead inspectors.
The Marathon refinery is pictured in Detroit, Michigan, on Oct. 14, 2024.
"Our efforts have led to the recovery of over 350 stolen vehicles and behind every one of those stolen cars is a victim," said Acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz of ICE HSI Detroit.
Scope And Response
ICE HSI and partner agencies report more than 350 stolen vehicles recovered in connection with related operations. The Michigan Department of Attorney General reported 28,408 motor vehicle thefts in 2023 — a 4.1% rise from 2022 and a 48.4% increase compared with five-year data — prompting state officials to expand enforcement efforts.
In response, Michigan created the Auto Fraud Task Force earlier this year to target large-scale auto theft and insurance fraud in Metro Detroit through interagency collaboration. Investigators say the scale of global shipping and the volume of containers processed at ports make it difficult to inspect every outbound shipment thoroughly.
Broader Concerns
Law enforcement warns that domestic criminal groups can easily connect with international buyers, and that financial incentives drive the trade. Experts emphasize the need for coordinated domestic and international enforcement, improved port screening where feasible, and preventative measures to protect vehicle lots and consumer vehicles.
Note: All allegations are from the federal indictment and statements by law enforcement; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
