News Summary
Eight men from Metro Detroit suburbs have been indicted for their alleged roles in an international car theft and smuggling scheme. Federal prosecutors uncovered the group’s operation, which involved stealing high-end vehicles valued over $40 million and shipping them overseas to the Middle East. The indictments highlight ongoing challenges in combating organized crime in the automotive sector and underscore the importance of collaboration between local and federal law enforcement agencies.
Detroit, Michigan – Eight men from various suburbs of Metro Detroit have been indicted for their alleged involvement in a sophisticated international car theft and smuggling operation. The indictment, filed by federal prosecutors, stems from an investigation that involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Dearborn Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the FBI.
The criminal activities reportedly took place between July 2023 and August 2025. According to the indictment, the group conspired to steal high-end vehicles and transport them out of the country, primarily to the Middle East, including countries such as Iraq and Dubai. The total estimated value of the stolen vehicles is over $40 million.
The suspects face serious charges, including conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles and multiple counts related to the transportation of each stolen vehicle. If convicted, they could each face up to five years in prison for the conspiracy charges and up to ten years for each count of transportation of a stolen vehicle.
Details of the Operation
During the investigation, law enforcement agencies identified that once the vehicles were stolen, they were packed into shipping containers and shipped overseas. Investigators discovered that the group used deception tactics by providing false information to freight forwarders, misrepresenting the stolen vehicles as different goods. This led to the creation of fraudulent manifests submitted to U.S. Customs and Border Patrol.
Authorities were able to recover over 350 stolen vehicles as a result of the investigation. The theft operation was not without its dangers, as the group is alleged to have employed methods of countersurveillance and used violence, including ramming security vehicles, to evade capture during the thefts.
Profiles of the Indicted
The indicted individuals are Haydar Al Haydari (41, Garden City), Karar Alnakash (43, Detroit), Abbas Al Othman (42, Dearborn Heights), Mohammed Al Hilo (36, Detroit), Moustapha Al Fetlawi (46, Dearborn Heights), Terrill Davis (33, Detroit), David Roshinsky Williams (32, Harper Woods), and Mohammed Al Abboodi (35, Detroit). Each of these men is connected to the alleged operation, which has drawn attention to the local and federal collaboration in addressing auto theft and smuggling issues.
Community Impact
The impact of auto theft extends beyond financial losses for individual victims; it also has a significant effect on the community, particularly in Michigan, which has a storied history tied to the automotive industry. Local law enforcement officials emphasize the importance of rooting out such criminal enterprises to protect both the economy and the cultural fabric of the state.
This case underscores the necessity for continued vigilance and cooperation among various law enforcement agencies in order to combat organized crime and safeguard consumers. The serious nature of these crimes highlights a persistent threat in the automotive sector and the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing such sophisticated networks.
The investigation and indictment serve as a warning that illegal activities related to auto theft will not be tolerated and that law enforcement is committed to pursuing justice for those affected by these crimes.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The Detroit News
- Fox 2 Detroit
- WXYZ News
- CBS News Detroit
- MLive
- Wikipedia: Car Theft
- Google Search: Car Theft Detroit
- Google Scholar: Car Theft Detroit
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Car Theft
- Google News: Detroit Car Theft
Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
