In a significant crackdown on vehicle theft, eight men from Southeast Michigan have been indicted on federal charges related to a sophisticated scheme involving stolen luxury cars. The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan announced the charges, detailing an operation that extended beyond local boundaries, demonstrating an alarming trend in auto theft and international smuggling.
The indictment names the following individuals: 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 faces one count of conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles and several counts of transporting stolen vehicles.
The conspiracy charge carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years, alongside a hefty fine of up to $250,000. On the other hand, the charges related to the transportation of stolen motor vehicles could result in a maximum of ten years in prison, reflecting the seriousness with which the federal government views such crimes.
Local authorities have expressed their commitment to tackling vehicle theft, emphasizing the collaborative nature of the investigation. Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin stated, “This case demonstrates the strength of partnerships between local and federal law enforcement,” highlighting the investigation’s origins in the Dearborn Police Department and its expansion to federal agencies.
The extensive investigation involved multiple federal and state agencies, including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This multi-agency effort underscores the complex and organized nature of the crime.
According to U.S. attorneys, the stolen vehicles were classified as “high end,” pointing to a targeted approach by the accused. The operation allegedly began between July 2023 and August 2025, during which the eight men were purportedly involved in receiving stolen vehicles at one of several commercial lots. After obtaining the cars, they would load them into shipping containers, facilitating transport to port cities via freight or rail networks.
The plan was brazen: if the stolen cars passed through law enforcement’s scrutiny in transit, they were intended to be shipped overseas. This method not only illustrates the audacity of the thieves but also the potential for significant international crime.
Matthew Stentz, acting Special Agent in Charge of ICE HSI Detroit, commented on the broader implications of such thefts, saying, “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.” This statement recognizes the personal and societal impact of vehicle theft, which is particularly relevant in Michigan, a state synonymous with the automotive industry.
In addition to federal agencies, the investigation saw the involvement of a variety of local police departments, including those in Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Livonia, Garden City, and Detroit, as well as rail police from CSX and Norfolk Southern. The Southeast Michigan Auto Crimes Consortium, consisting of local task force officers, also played a crucial role in the effort to dismantle this criminal operation.
These collaborative efforts reflect a growing recognition of the importance of partnerships in law enforcement. As car theft evolves in sophistication, the shared intelligence and resources of various agencies become essential for effective interventions.
The indictment of these eight men is a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against vehicle theft in Michigan. As the case unfolds, it will not only highlight the seriousness of the crime but also serve as a reminder of the need for robust surveillance and inter-agency cooperation. The implications of such criminal activities extend far beyond financial losses; they threaten the very fabric of communities and the cultural identity associated with Michigan’s automotive legacy. As law enforcement continues its work, the focus remains on protecting victims and preventing further thefts in the future.
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