Crime lords exploited Detroit’s auto heritage, turning Motor City into a $40 million car-theft supermarket for Middle East buyers, recruiting kids while hardworking Americans suffered skyrocketing thefts.
Story Snapshot
- Federal indictment charges eight Metro Detroit men in largest auto theft ring in Michigan history, valued at $35-40 million.
- Over 350 high-end vehicles recovered after 14 search warrants, shipped to Iraq and Dubai via U.S. ports.
- Ring recruited juveniles for thefts, exploiting lighter penalties amid 48% spike in Michigan car thefts.
- Multi-agency takedown by Dearborn Police, ICE HSI, FBI, and CBP disrupts international smuggling network.
- Michigan’s Auto Fraud Task Force expands to combat ongoing threats to families and economy.
Indictment Details and Operation Scale
Eight men from Metro Detroit face federal charges for conspiring to steal and smuggle high-end SUVs and trucks. The ring operated from July 2023 to August 2025, targeting vehicles from manufacturer lots and streets in Dearborn, Detroit, Garden City, Dearborn Heights, and Harper Woods. Suspects used four industrial lots to hide stolen cars, remove trackers, and pack them into containers for rail and freight shipment to U.S. ports. Investigators recovered 350 to 400 vehicles worth $35-40 million after executing 14 search warrants in September 2025. This marks Michigan’s largest such operation, fueled by demand from Middle East buyers in Iraq and Dubai.
Key Suspects and Law Enforcement Response
Charged suspects include organizers Haydar Al Haydari, 41, of Garden City, and Moustapha Al Fetlawi, 46, of Dearborn Heights, along with Karar Alnakash, Abbas Al Othman, Mohammed Al Hilo, Terrill Davis, David Roshinsky Williams, and Mohammed Al Abboodi. All face conspiracy counts plus interstate transport charges, carrying up to 10 years in prison and $250,000 fines. Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin led the probe with SMACC funding, escalating to federal partners including ICE HSI Acting SAC Matthew Stentz, U.S. Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, CBP, and FBI. Two suspects appeared for arraignment on September 14, 2025. U.S. Attorney Gorgon stated stolen cars have no place in interstate commerce.
The hierarchical network coordinated with international contacts, using juveniles paid minimally to steal vehicles like Ford Raptors due to lighter penalties. Law enforcement partnerships disrupted the profit-driven scheme, protecting everyday Americans from economic harm.
Impacts on Michigan Families and Economy
Michigan car thefts surged 48% before the bust, driving up insurance rates and endangering Metro Detroit residents. Victims lost high-value trucks in sweeps worth $1 million each, hitting the auto sector hard. Juvenile involvement erodes community safety, preying on youth for criminal gain. Short-term, recoveries aid owners and insurers; long-term, the expanded Auto Fraud Task Force deters rings exploiting Detroit’s port access and Ambassador Bridge. Michigan AG Dana Nessel supports the multi-agency effort amid broader cargo theft trends.
Federal prosecutors say a Dearborn, Michigan-based Middle Eastern ring stole 400 cars worth $40M from 2023–2025, shipping them to the Middle East.
— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) December 4, 2025
Nine were charged, including charged are Mohammed Al Hilo and Mohammed Al Ali.
pic.twitter.com/1gMeCUjUDF
Expert Insights and Broader Context
Retired Michigan State Police specialist Kyle McPhee highlighted Detroit’s port proximity as a key enabler for quick exports, with cars often chopped into “parts” to evade detection. Dearborn Cpl. Daniel Bartok confirmed Middle East destinations. ICE HSI’s Stentz noted the 350+ recoveries harm working families. Experts warn port vulnerabilities persist despite the takedown, calling for sustained vigilance. This international crime wave underscores the need for strong borders and law enforcement to safeguard American jobs and property from globalist exploitation.
Sources:
Crime lords turn Motor City into car-theft supermarket for Middle East buyers
8 men charged in Metro Detroit international auto theft, smuggling ring
350 cars worth $35 million: 2 men accused in massive Wayne County car theft ring
Crime lords turn Motor City into car-theft supermarket for Middle East buyers