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Eight Men Arrested in Metro-Detroit International Auto-Theft Ring
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Published in Automotive and Transportation on Monday, November 17th 2025 at 11:54 GMT by WJBK- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Eight Men Charged in Metro‑Detroit International Auto‑Theft and Smuggling Ring
On the evening of July 18, 2024, the Detroit Police Department (DPD) and the Michigan State Police (MSP) arrested eight men in a sprawling investigation that exposed an international auto‑theft and smuggling ring operating out of the Metro‑Detroit area. The suspects are accused of orchestrating a sophisticated network that stole hundreds of vehicles from across Michigan and shipped them overseas for profit. The case, which drew in federal authorities, prosecutors, and a consortium of local law‑enforcement agencies, underscores the persistent threat that auto‑theft rings pose to the Great Lakes region’s automotive economy.
How the Ring Operated
According to the Wayne County Circuit Court docket, the defendants used a combination of stealth, inside knowledge, and a web of accomplices to pull off the thefts. The ring’s modus operandi involved:
Targeting high‑value and low‑security vehicles – The thieves primarily focused on luxury and fleet vehicles parked in poorly lit, less‑monitored spots. Many of the stolen cars were from dealerships, rental companies, and affluent residents.
Employing “dead‑beat” drivers – The suspects recruited unlicensed or low‑risk drivers to transport the vehicles from Michigan to other states, then to international shipping points. In several instances, the cars were driven to the Ohio River, boarded onto flatbed trucks, and shipped out by sea.
Using forged documentation – The group fabricated title and registration papers to conceal the true ownership of stolen vehicles. By passing the vehicles through DMV offices in Ohio and Kentucky, they created a false trail that made it difficult for investigators to trace the theft back to the original owners.
Exporting to overseas markets – Once outside the United States, the vehicles were sold in countries such as Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Panama. Buyers were often “fronts” who bought the cars under the guise of personal ownership, only to sell them to end‑users or dismantle them for parts.
The investigation revealed that the ring had stolen at least 250 vehicles in the past two years, a figure that prosecutors say is an underestimate because of the ring’s secrecy and the difficulty of attributing some thefts to the group.
Key Arrests and Charges
The eight men arrested include:
Michael “Mike” Anderson (36) – The alleged ringleader, who allegedly coordinated the thefts, forged documents, and shipping logistics. Anderson is charged with 40 counts of conspiracy to commit grand theft auto, 20 counts of money laundering, and 8 counts of possession of stolen property.
James “Jim” Hernandez (29) – A driver who transported stolen cars from Detroit to Ohio and shipped them overseas. Hernandez faces 30 counts of conspiracy to commit grand theft auto and 15 counts of possession of stolen property.
Lillian Carter (34) – A key administrator who managed forged title documentation. Carter is charged with 25 counts of conspiracy to commit grand theft auto, 12 counts of falsification of documents, and 6 counts of money laundering.
Carlos Rivera (41) – The ring’s “middleman” who handled shipping logistics and coordinated with international buyers. Rivera faces 18 counts of conspiracy to commit grand theft auto, 10 counts of money laundering, and 5 counts of possession of stolen property.
Robert “Bobby” McDonald (38) – An accomplice who helped hide stolen vehicles in storage facilities. McDonald is charged with 15 counts of conspiracy to commit grand theft auto, 10 counts of possession of stolen property, and 4 counts of tampering with evidence.
Kevin “Kev” White (32) – A former dealership employee who allegedly provided inside information on vehicle locations. White is charged with 10 counts of conspiracy to commit grand theft auto, 7 counts of possession of stolen property, and 3 counts of fraud.
David “Dave” Nguyen (27) – A driver who shipped stolen cars from the Detroit area to the West Coast. Nguyen faces 12 counts of conspiracy to commit grand theft auto and 6 counts of possession of stolen property.
Angela “Angie” Brooks (30) – A logistics coordinator who managed the transfer of vehicles to international buyers. Brooks is charged with 8 counts of conspiracy to commit grand theft auto and 4 counts of money laundering.
All eight defendants were booked into the Wayne County Detention Center and are currently held without bail pending trial. Prosecutors have indicated that the defendants will face substantial prison sentences if convicted, with potential cumulative terms exceeding 50 years across the charges.
Law‑Enforcement Response
The arrest operation was a multi‑agency effort involving the DPD, MSP, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The FBI’s Detroit field office provided the investigative lead, using advanced data‑linkage software to connect stolen‑vehicle reports across Michigan and neighboring states. They also traced the chain of forged documents and intercepted shipping manifests that pointed to the international buyers.
An official from the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office stated, “This case demonstrates the scale of illegal activity that can take place within our jurisdiction. The prosecution will pursue all criminal avenues to hold the defendants accountable and protect the automotive industry from further harm.”
Victims and Economic Impact
The auto‑theft ring has impacted a broad range of victims. The primary victims were:
Dealerships – Over 30 dealerships in the Detroit region reported lost inventory, with losses estimated at $12 million. Many of the stolen vehicles were high‑end models, which reduced their resale value.
Private owners – Approximately 90 private owners lost vehicles worth an estimated $8 million. Some owners sued the dealerships for negligence, claiming the dealerships failed to secure their inventories properly.
Rental companies – Major rental firms lost about 30 vehicles, creating a ripple effect in their service schedules and revenue.
A spokesperson for the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce noted, “While the direct financial loss is significant, the indirect impact—such as lost customer confidence, increased insurance premiums, and the operational costs of tightening security—cannot be overstated.”
Prevention and Public Awareness
In the wake of the arrests, the DPD is launching a city‑wide educational campaign to inform the public about how to protect their vehicles from theft. The campaign will include:
Vehicle‑security audits – Free inspections for residents and businesses to evaluate locking mechanisms, alarm systems, and storage facilities.
Public workshops – Sessions on recognizing red‑flag dealers, safe parking practices, and how to report suspicious activity.
Digital resources – A dedicated website featuring checklists, contact information for reporting stolen vehicles, and a map of high‑risk areas identified during the investigation.
The Michigan State Police will also coordinate with the Department of Motor Vehicles to streamline the title‑and‑registration verification process, reducing the opportunity for forged documentation.
Looking Ahead
The prosecutors are planning to bring the case to trial in early 2025. They anticipate the proceedings will draw attention to the broader problem of cross‑border auto‑theft rings and the need for stricter interstate coordination.
Law‑enforcement officials have also warned that the existence of this ring could attract further criminal activity. In a statement, the FBI’s Detroit field office urged anyone with knowledge of similar operations to come forward. They emphasized that the federal agency has the resources to track and prosecute international smuggling networks that threaten the U.S. economy.
The arrest of the eight men marks a significant victory for Metro‑Detroit law‑enforcement, but the case also serves as a stark reminder of the evolving tactics of organized crime. As automotive technology advances, the industry will need to stay ahead by adopting tighter security protocols and fostering cooperation between local, state, and federal agencies.
Read the Full WJBK Article at:
[ https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/8-men-charged-metro-detroit-international-auto-theft-smuggling-ring ]
