European police dismantle luxury car theft ring trafficking vehicles to Dubai

Italian, Spanish, and Belgian police have dismantled a sophisticated Eastern European criminal network accused of stealing high-end vehicles across Europe and smuggling them to Dubai for resale, authorities announced on October 7.

The international operation, coordinated with support from Europol and Eurojust, targeted a gang believed to be behind the theft of more than 100 luxury cars—primarily Range Rovers, Lexus, and Toyota models—since early 2024. The total value of the stolen vehicles is estimated at over €3 million, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

According to Italy’s Carabinieri police, the gang identified targets in upscale holiday destinations including Forte dei Marmi and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, and Marbella in Spain. Once selected, the vehicles were secretly fitted with tracking devices, allowing thieves to locate and steal them later with precision.

The stolen cars were driven to Belgium, where investigators say the vehicles were disguised using altered chassis numbers and fake or cloned license plates. From there, they were shipped out of the port of Antwerp to buyers in Dubai.

During coordinated raids, officers seized four stolen vehicles as well as specialized equipment used to clone car keys, disable GPS and alarm systems, and bypass transponder security systems—tools critical to the gang’s operations.

The sting targeted 24 individuals, mostly from Moldova, with others from Russia, Romania, and Ukraine. Six suspects were arrested and three placed under house arrest, Italian authorities confirmed.

The investigation is ongoing, with officials describing the operation as a major step forward in combating organized vehicle theft and cross-border smuggling.

By Sabina Mammadli