Car theft syndicate dismantled in Brisbane

Table of Contents

• Queensland Police recover 15 Toyotas and charge seven men after coordinated operation
• What happened and where
• Who has been charged and the scale of offending
• Where the vehicles were headed and why Brisbane was targeted
• Who was involved and agency collaboration
• Current status and next steps
• Key takeaways
• Frequently asked questions

Queensland Police recover 15 Toyotas and charge seven men after coordinated operation

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA — A car theft syndicate targeting Toyota Land Cruisers and Prados has been dismantled after a focused police operation. The car theft syndicate is alleged to have stolen 20 vehicles across Greater Brisbane between 20 October and 1 December last year, and investigators have so far recovered 15 of those vehicles.

Detectives moved quickly after an allegedly stolen Toyota Land Cruiser was seen being driven into a wrecking yard at Rocklea in the early hours of 2 December. Specialist police secured the scene and located two concealed Land Cruisers inside a shipping container at the premises, prompting a wider investigation that uncovered further stolen vehicles across ports and yards.

What happened and where

Police allege that a group of foreign nationals flew into Brisbane and conducted an organised theft operation focused on specific Toyota models. Between late October and the start of December, the syndicate is accused of taking multiple vehicles from suburbs across Greater Brisbane.

After the Rocklea discovery, officers found additional vehicles at other locations. Four were identified at the Port of Brisbane with help from the Australian Border Force, and a further nine were located at the Port of Melbourne in collaboration with interstate partners.

Who has been charged and the scale of offending

To date, seven men have been charged with more than 380 offences connected to the operation. Five are currently in custody while two have been granted bail. Police say the syndicate was highly organised and operated with discipline and sophistication.

Where the vehicles were headed and why Brisbane was targeted

Investigators allege the syndicate shipped whole vehicles in containers from Brisbane to the United Arab Emirates, where the cars would be sold on the secondhand market for profit. The precise reason Brisbane was chosen as a target remains under investigation.

Who was involved and agency collaboration

Police analysis has revealed the involvement of foreign nationals from countries including Brazil, Fiji, Japan and Afghanistan. The operation to dismantle the syndicate relied on cooperation between Queensland Police, the Australian Border Force, Victoria Police and other federal and interstate partners.

Authorities also worked closely with Toyota Motor Corporation Australia, which assisted the investigation. That industry partnership was described by police as exceptionally helpful in identifying and recovering stolen vehicles.

Current status and next steps

There have been no further offences of this type reported in the Greater Brisbane area since the arrests on 2 December, and police have said the syndicate poses no further threat to the community. The investigation remains active as officers pursue other involved parties and continue efforts to locate an additional 45 outstanding vehicles believed to be connected to the broader operation.

Key takeaways

• Alleged thefts occurred between 20 October and 1 December; around 20 vehicles were reportedly stolen.
• Fifteen of the most recently stolen vehicles have been located so far, including two found concealed in a shipping container at Rocklea.
• Four vehicles were recovered at the Port of Brisbane and nine at the Port of Melbourne with help from border and interstate agencies.
• Seven men charged with over 380 offences; five in custody and two on bail.
• Investigations suggest vehicles were being shipped to the United Arab Emirates for resale.

Frequently asked questions

How many vehicles were allegedly stolen?

Police allege the syndicate stole 20 Toyota vehicles, including Land Cruisers and Prados, during the period between 20 October and 1 December.

How many stolen vehicles have been recovered?

Fifteen of the most recently stolen vehicles have been located to date, including two found in a shipping container at Rocklea, four at the Port of Brisbane and nine at the Port of Melbourne.

How many people have been charged?

Seven men have been charged with more than 380 offences connected to the operation. Five are in custody and two are on bail.

Were the vehicles being exported?

Authorities allege the syndicate placed whole vehicles in shipping containers and exported them from Brisbane to the United Arab Emirates, where they believe the cars were to be sold as secondhand vehicles.

Which agencies were involved in the investigation?

Queensland Police led the operation with assistance from the Australian Border Force, Victoria Police and other interstate and federal partners, as well as support from Toyota Motor Corporation Australia.

The information in this article has been adapted from mainstream news sources and video reports published on official channels. Watch the full video here International car theft syndicate dismantled in Brisbane | 7NEWS