They Believed They Could Transport Hundreds of Stolen Vehicles Globally and Escape Punishment | Carscoops
Federal authorities have revealed an indictment against eight men from the Detroit area, accused of transporting stolen vehicles using shipping containers.
The defendants are facing conspiracy and transportation charges that could lead to penalties of up to 10 years.
The hidden stolen cars were concealed in shipping containers and sent through port cities for export purposes.
This investigation involved agencies such as ICE HSI, CBP, FBI, and various local law enforcement bodies.
As criminal operations grow larger, keeping them hidden becomes increasingly difficult. Eight individuals from Southeast Michigan have learned this lesson the hard way, as they were indicted for allegedly orchestrating an intricate car theft and international smuggling scheme. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, they stole luxury vehicles with intentions to ship them globally.
Investigators revealed that the operation lasted from July 2023 to August 2025. The indictment outlines a process where stolen cars were gathered at commercial and industrial sites, packed into shipping containers, and then transported via freight or rail to port cities for international shipment.
The defendants named in the indictment are Haydar Al Haydari, Karar Alnakash, Abbas Al Othman, Mohammed Al Hilo, Moustapha Al Fetlawi, Terrill Davis, David Roshinsky Williams, and Mohammed Al Abboodi.
Additionally, they face charges of conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles, as well as one or more counts of transporting stolen cars. Convictions for conspiracy could lead to a five-year prison sentence and a $250,000 fine, while those convicted of transporting stolen vehicles may face up to ten years in prison and the same monetary penalty.
Impact of the Operation
Authorities have highlighted the significant impact of this case. “Our efforts have resulted in the recovery of over 350 stolen vehicles,” stated Matthew Stentz, Acting Special Agent at ICE HSI Detroit. He added, “In a state like Michigan, where cars are more than just transportation but part of our culture, these thefts resonate deeply.”
It's important to note that the DOJ did not specify the types of ‘high-end’ vehicles involved. We have reached out for further information and will update if the DOJ provides a response.
The Metro Detroit News has reported that among the stolen vehicles were “BMW X5s, Dodge Durangos, Dodge Rams, Range Rovers, Ford Broncos, and Chevrolet Camaros,” among others. Video footage of some recovered vehicles also includes a Cadillac Escalade, a Chevrolet Corvette, and at least two Ram TRXs.
Photo: Trans-RAK International
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They Believed They Could Transport Hundreds of Stolen Vehicles Globally and Escape Punishment | Carscoops
Federal authorities have unsealed an indictment against eight men from the Detroit area, who are accused of transporting stolen vehicles in shipping containers.