Eight men from Southeast Michigan have been indicted for their alleged involvement in a large-scale car theft and international smuggling operation, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. The indictment was unsealed today and is the result of an investigation led by the Dearborn Police Department, with assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The individuals charged are Haydar Al Haydari, 41, of Garden City; Karar Alnakash, 43, of Detroit; Abbas Al Othman, 42, of Dearborn Heights; Mohammed Al Hilo, 36, of Detroit; Moustapha Al Fetlawi, 46, of Dearborn Heights; Terrill Davis, 33, of Detroit; David Roshinsky Williams, 32, of Harper Woods; and Mohammed Al Abboodi, 35, of Detroit. Each faces one count of conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles as well as one or more counts related to the transportation of stolen vehicles.
According to court documents, from July 2023 through August 2025 the defendants allegedly received stolen cars at commercial or industrial lots. The vehicles were then packed into shipping containers that were sent by freight or rail to port cities for overseas shipment if not intercepted by law enforcement.
If convicted on conspiracy charges each defendant could face up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Transportation charges carry potential penalties of up to ten years imprisonment 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.”
“Our efforts have led to the recovery of over 350 stolen vehicles and behind every one of those stolen cars is a victim,” said ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz. “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.”
“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,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “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.”
“This case demonstrates the strength of partnerships between local and federal law enforcement,” said Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin. “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.”
“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,” said CBP Director of Field Operations Marty C. Raybon. “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.”
Officials emphasize that an indictment is not evidence of guilt; 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 several local police departments railroad police agencies as well as task-force officers affiliated with SMACC. Assistant United States Attorneys Louie Meizlish Hank Moon and Catherine Morris are prosecuting the case.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about this case to contact HSI at HSIDetroit_StolenAuto_Tipline@hsi.dhs.gov
