Detectives from Brisbane Criminal Investigation Branches and the Major and Organised Crime Squad Brisbane (MOCSB) have disrupted an international-based crime syndicate following investigations into the theft of Toyota's from Brisbane Region.
On 17 November, in response to a recent increase in vehicle thefts, Brisbane detectives and MOCSB established an Incident Centre at Dutton Park Police Station under Operation Xray Lox.
Extensive investigations were supported by the Public Safety Response Team (PSRT), Brisbane Dog Squad, POLAIR, Brisbane Intel, Australian Federal Police, Australian Border Force and Victorian Police Vehicle Crime Squad.
It will be alleged in October a group of foreign nationals flew into Brisbane and commenced an organised operation stealing specific Toyota models, including Landcruiser's and Prados.
Between 20 October to 1 December the syndicate allegedly stole 60 vehicles across Brisbane Region.
It is further alleged the syndicate sent shipping containers with whole vehicles to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for profit.
On 2 December, investigators moved quickly when two alleged stolen Landcruisers were observed entering a Melbourne Street, Rocklea wrecking yard.
At 2.30am specialist police declared a crime scene at the address and located a shipping container with two alleged stolen Landcruisers hidden behind a facade of disassembled vehicle parts.
Over the following week, another two shipping containers were seized from Port of Brisbane recovering four vehicles.
On 12 December, a further four shipping containers were located at Melbourne with the assistance of Australian Border Force and recovery is underway by Victorian Police.
Throughout the investigation, 15 of the most recently stolen vehicles were recovered from a Rocklea wrecking yard, the Port of Brisbane, and Port of Melbourne.
To date, police have charged seven men with more than 300 offences.
A 44-year-old man has been charged with 60 counts of stealing of a vehicle, and six counts of attempted stealing of a vehicle.
He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 27 January.
A 40-year-old man has been charged with 60 counts of stealing of a vehicle, and six counts of attempted stealing of a vehicle.
He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 27 January.
A 28-year-old man has been charged with 17 counts of stealing of a vehicle.
He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 12 January.
A 29-year-old man has been charged with 60 counts of stealing of a vehicle, and six counts of attempted stealing of a vehicle.
He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 12 January.
A 45-year-old man has been charged with 60 counts of stealing of a vehicle, six counts of attempted stealing of a vehicle.
He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 12 January.
A 31-year-old man has been charged with 32 counts of stealing of a vehicle.
He was remanded in custody and is due to reappear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 19 January.
A 40-year-old man has been charged with two counts of stealing of a vehicle.
He was due to appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on 14 January.
The syndicate poses no ongoing threat to the community.
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) continues to work closely with Toyota Australia throughout the ongoing investigation.
South Brisbane District Detective Inspector Paul Dalton says investigators have worked around the clock for the past two months to identify and apprehend the alleged offenders.
"Offences of this nature are brazen and can cause significant disruption to our community's feeling of safety and ability to travel to work, run errands, take children to school, or meet family and friends."
"This investigation was a top priority for local detectives to prevent further harm, hold the alleged offenders to account, and provide answers for victims."
MOCS Brisbane Detective Acting Inspector Russell Joyce thanks local, interstate, and national law enforcement partners for their assistance throughout the investigation.
"This was an extremely complex operation with a disciplined international syndicate allegedly targeting vehicles for personal gain."
"The QPS is sending a strong message that offences of this nature will not be tolerated, and police will be relentless in their pursuit of any alleged offender."
Earlier media release here – Vehicle theft appeal, Brisbane Region – Brisbane North
If you have information for police, contact Policelink by providing information using the online suspicious activity form 24hrs per day at www.police.qld.gov.au/reporting.
Report crime information anonymously via Crime Stoppers. Call 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestoppersqld.com.au.
