Luxury Toyota theft ring busted after shipping 210 cars to UAE

A 27-year-old man has been charged in connection with a criminal syndicate accused of stealing and shipping high-end vehicles overseas. Police allege the group stole over 210 cars, worth more than AU$20 million, before transporting them to the United Arab Emirates in shipping containers.

The syndicate targeted luxury Toyota models across Victoria and Queensland between August and September 2025. Detectives believe the group used on-board computer systems to bypass security and steal the vehicles.

Raids were carried out at a commercial property in Cranbourne West, Melbourne, where the operation was initially based. Authorities seized three stolen cars, electronic devices, and business records during the searches. The group later moved its activities to Queensland in October. The arrested man now faces multiple charges, including conspiracy to commit theft, theft of motor vehicles, and handling stolen goods. Police have linked him to 46 separate theft incidents in Victoria alone. While around 80% of stolen vehicles in Victoria are eventually recovered, the scale of this operation has left many victims without their cars.

Investigations remain active, with further charges anticipated against others involved in the syndicate. The stolen vehicles, shipped in containers, were destined for the Middle East before authorities intervened. Police continue to examine the full extent of the operation and its financial networks.