An international organised crime group targeting luxury vehicles in Australia has been dismantled following a major police operation in Brisbane. The syndicate is accused of stealing sixty high-value Toyota vehicles, primarily LandCruisers and Prados, in a sophisticated six-week spree.
The High-Tech Heist: How the Syndicate Operated
Queensland Police allege the thefts occurred between October 20 and December 1, with the criminals making off with an average of two cars per day. The total value of the stolen vehicles is estimated at a staggering $8 million (approximately £4.2 million).
Investigators believe the thieves used a specialised electronic device known as a CAN injector to bypass the vehicles' security systems. This tool, which is readily available, allowed them to plug into the car's internal computer network, inject malicious code, and unlock doors and start engines without needing the keys.
Police state that a group of foreign nationals flew into Brisbane in October specifically to carry out the operation. The stolen vehicles were then allegedly prepared for shipment overseas, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) identified as the intended destination for profit.
Police Crackdown and Major Recoveries
The coordinated investigation led to the arrest of seven foreign nationals, who now face more than 300 criminal charges. Among them, two men aged 44 and 40 were each charged with 60 counts of vehicle theft and six counts of attempted theft.
Swift police work prevented many vehicles from leaving the country. Fifteen of the most recently stolen cars were recovered from locations including a Rocklea wrecking yard, the Port of Brisbane, and the Port of Melbourne. Some vehicles were discovered hidden behind façades of disassembled car parts.
"Offences of this nature are brazen and can cause significant disruption to our community's feeling of safety," said South Brisbane District Detective Inspector Paul Dalton. "This investigation was a top priority for local detectives to prevent further harm, hold the alleged offenders to account, and provide answers for victims."
Syndicate Neutralised and Ongoing Cooperation
Authorities have assured the public that the immediate threat has passed. "There'd been no offences of this nature since the first arrests were made on December 2, and the community can rest assured that this syndicate no longer poses an ongoing threat to them," Det Insp Dalton confirmed.
The investigation remains active, with police working alongside Toyota Australia and international law enforcement partners to trace the syndicate's connections. "This was an extremely complex operation with a disciplined international syndicate allegedly targeting vehicles for personal gain," said MOCS Brisbane Detective Acting Inspector Russell Joyce. "The QPS is sending a strong message that offences of this nature will not be tolerated."
The two men facing the majority of charges are next due to appear at Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 27.
