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Syndicate Allegedly Shipped Stolen Cars to Middle East
A 27-year-old man was charged in connection with a syndicate stealing over 150 high-end Toyotas worth $20 million in Victoria, exploiting vehicle computers to export cars to the UAE.
- On March 20, 2026, Victoria Police charged a 27-year-old man from Doveton after raids on Thursday across Doveton and Seaford uncovered more than 150 Victorian vehicles worth $20 million shipped to the United Arab Emirates.
- Police say thieves accessed vehicles' on-board computers via wiring to steal cars, storing them at a commercial premises in Cranbourne West before shipping; the group began in Victoria and relocated to Queensland in October.
- The Doveton man was charged with conspiracy, theft and handling stolen goods related to 46 alleged incidents between August and September 2025; investigators seized three vehicles and multiple electronic devices during the Thursday raids.
- The man was released on bail and is due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates' Court on March 26, while police said the investigation remains ongoing and further charges are expected.
- Police described the syndicate as brazen and highly sophisticated, with investigations revealing containers moved by shipping companies without knowing they contained stolen vehicles exported through the Port of Melbourne to the UAE, sparking concerns over organised crime and export industry risks.
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Sophisticated alleged car theft syndicate busted, Doveton man charged
A Doveton man has been charged for his role in an international syndicate allegedly stealing high end Toyotas and exporting them to the United Arab Emirates for profit. The 27-year old was charged with conspiracy to commit theft of motor vehicle, theft of motor vehicle and handling stolen goods in relation to 46 incidents allegedly committed between August and September 2025. A Cranbourne West site was allegedly being used as a base of operation…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources11
Leaning Left5Leaning Right1Center2Last UpdatedBias Distribution63% Left
Bias Distribution
- 63% of the sources lean Left
63% Left
L 63%
C 25%
12%
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