Luxury Cars Stolen Across Europe Ended Up in Dubai — Police Finally Crack the Case

Brussels - October 9, 2025 – In a major blow to international organized crime, police forces from Italy, Spain, and Belgium have dismantled an Eastern European criminal network responsible for stealing over 100 high-end luxury vehicles and trafficking them to Dubai for resale. The operation, coordinated with support from Europol and Eurojust, resulted in the arrest of six suspects and the seizure of stolen cars and specialized equipment, authorities announced this week.

The sting, which unfolded on October 7, targeted a highly specialized gang primarily composed of individuals from Moldova, with additional members from Russia, Romania, and Ukraine. Investigators believe the group has been operating since early 2024, amassing a haul worth more than €3 million through meticulously planned thefts in Europe's upscale holiday destinations.

According to details released by Italian and EU law enforcement, the thieves focused on affluent areas such as Forte dei Marmi and Cortina d'Ampezzo in Italy, as well as Marbella in Spain. Their modus operandi was both high-tech and brazen: gang members would scout potential targets and secretly install GPS tracking devices on the vehicles. Once the owners were away—often during peak vacation seasons—the cars would be stolen with precision using cloned keys and tools to disable alarms, GPS systems, and transponder security.

The stolen vehicles, which included popular luxury models like Range Rovers, Lexus, and Toyota hybrids, were then driven across borders to Belgium. There, in hidden workshops, the cars underwent a transformation: chassis numbers were altered, and fake or cloned license plates were applied to evade detection. From the bustling port of Antwerp, the disguised vehicles were shipped to eager buyers in Dubai, where demand for second-hand luxury cars remains strong.

During the raids, authorities seized four of the stolen vehicles still in the possession of the network, along with a cache of illicit tools used for key cloning and security bypassing. While 24 suspects were identified and pursued in the operation, six were taken into custody, and three others placed under house arrest as the investigation continues.

Officials described the takedown as a "major step forward" in disrupting cross-border vehicle smuggling rings that exploit Europe's open borders and holiday tourism."This operation highlights the seamless cooperation between our nations and EU agencies in tackling sophisticated crime networks," said a spokesperson for Italy's Carabinieri police, who led much of the ground effort. The case underscores a growing trend in luxury car thefts, with Europol reporting a surge in hybrid and electric vehicle targeting due to their high resale value in Middle Eastern markets.

As the probe deepens, authorities are working to recover additional stolen vehicles and trace the Dubai-based buyers. For now, the streets of Europe's elite resorts can breathe a little easier, knowing one less shadow lurks in the parking lots.