Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
Eight men from Southeast Michigan have been indicted for allegedly operating a car theft and international smuggling ring, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. The indictment was unsealed following an investigation led by the Dearborn Police Department, with support from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The defendants—Haydar Al Haydari, Karar Alnakash, Abbas Al Othman, Mohammed Al Hilo, Moustapha Al Fetlawi, Terrill Davis, David Roshinsky Williams, and Mohammed Al Abboodi—are charged with conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles. Each also faces one or more counts of transporting a stolen vehicle.
The 12-count indictment alleges that from July 2023 through August 2025, the group conspired to receive stolen vehicles at four commercial or industrial lots in Michigan. The vehicles were then packed into shipping containers and transported by freight or rail to port cities for overseas shipment if not intercepted by law enforcement.
If convicted on the conspiracy charge, each defendant could face up to five years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Conviction on transportation of stolen motor vehicles carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“Stolen cars have no place in interstate commerce and foreign trade,” said United States Attorney Gorgon. “I very much appreciate the diligent work of our many law-enforcement partners in recovering countless vehicles and putting an end to this criminal scheme. Our work to secure justice for the conspirators and their victims continues.”
ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz stated: “Our efforts have led to the recovery of over 350 stolen vehicles and behind every one of those stolen cars is a victim. This case hits even closer to home in a state like Michigan, where auto theft doesn’t just hurt our wallets, but our culture. Our HSI special agents and law enforcement partners will continue to do the work necessary to take down these operations that harm everyday Americans.”
Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office added: “This indictment underscores the importance of law enforcement collaboration to ensure those who exploit our borders through unlawful commercial vehicle smuggling operations are brought to justice. The FBI in Michigan is proud to work alongside our local, state, and federal partners in disrupting both domestic and international trafficking networks. We remain committed to protecting our community and safeguarding the integrity of our infrastructure.”
Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin highlighted interagency cooperation: “This case demonstrates the strength of partnerships between local and federal law enforcement. I want to thank our partners in the Southeast Michigan Auto Crimes Consortium (SMACC), whose collaboration was instrumental in this case. I also want to acknowledge the critical funding and support provided by Auto Theft Prevention Authority (ATPA), which makes this type of proactive investigation possible. Together, we are protecting victims, safeguarding our communities, and holding criminals accountable."
CBP Director Marty C. Raybon commented: “In light of efforts by transnational criminal organizations to victimize the America people and our businesses through illicit vehicle trade, we aim to counter their methods with every available resource at our disposal. We will continue to work alongside our regional law enforcement partners to ensure we put the brakes on vehicle smuggling through the Motor City and beyond.”
Authorities remind that an indictment is only a charge; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including ICE HSI with assistance from CBP; FBI; Bureau of Industry and Security; police departments from Dearborn Heights, Livonia, Garden City; Detroit Police; CSX Police; Norfolk Southern Police; HSI Newark; HSI Norfolk; CBP Newark; as well as task-force officers affiliated with SMACC.
Assistant United States Attorneys Louie Meizlish, Hank Moon, and Catherine Morris are prosecuting this case.
Anyone with information relevant can contact HSI at HSIDetroit_StolenAuto_Tipline@hsi.dhs.gov
