“Gone Before We Knew It” — Police Sends Urgent Warning Toyota Land Cruiser and Prado Owners

In a case that has alarmed law enforcement and automobile owners, Queensland Police in Australia have dismantled what authorities are calling an internationally organized car theft syndicate responsible for the theft of dozens of Toyota vehicles worth an estimated $8 million.

The operation, which ended late in 2025 but has continued to unfold in recent days, highlights how rapidly evolving criminal methods are putting high-end four-wheel drives and SUV owners at risk and has sparked urgent warnings for owners of those models to tighten security and remain vigilant.

Police allege that the syndicate targeted specific Toyota models, including Land Cruisers and Prados, known for their high resale value and strong export demand, particularly in markets in the Middle East. The group is believed to have flown into the greater Brisbane region on legal visas and established a base from which they executed a highly organized theft campaign between October 20 and December 1, 2025.

The ‘CAN Bus’ Method

Detective Inspector Paul Dalton, speaking for Queensland Police, described the syndicate’s methodology as “well-researched and highly organized.” He accused the suspects of stealing around 60 vehicles over those six weeks. The men reportedly used specialized tools, including CAN bus injectors, to quickly bypass onboard security systems.

These devices are capable of overriding electronic locks, disabling immobilizers, and allowing instant access to the vehicle’s electrical system without standard keys.

The stolen vehicles were often moved quickly, hidden in shipping containers and clandestinely sent to international ports for export. On December 2, police tracked two allegedly stolen Land Cruisers to a wrecking yard in Rocklea, concealed behind disassembled car parts in a container.

In the weeks that followed, authorities located several more containers at both the Port of Brisbane and the Port of Melbourne, ultimately recovering about 15 of the stolen cars.

Authorities have charged seven foreign nationals, aged between 28 and 45, with more than 300 offences, including multiple counts of vehicle theft and attempted theft related to the ring’s activities. Some individuals have been remanded in custody pending appearances in Brisbane Magistrates Court throughout January 2026, where they face a range of serious charges.

A Global Pipeline

One of the suspects, a 29-year-old man with ties to a local car parts business, was recently denied bail on grounds that magistrates found the alleged operation to be both “sophisticated” and posing an unacceptable risk to the community if released. Legal representatives argued the accused was cooperative with police, but the severity of the alleged crimes and the advanced methods used in the thefts influenced the court’s decision.

The investigation, known internally to police as Operation Xray Lox, drew resources from multiple agencies including the Australian Federal Police and Australian Border Force, underlining how serious and complex the syndicate’s activities were judged to be. Officers believe that once vehicles were abroad, they were sold or further dismantled for parts and profit in markets where documentation and enforcement may be less rigorous than in Australia.

The case left motorists and industry analysts with pressing questions about vehicle security. Toyota Australia says it is aware of a marked increase in thefts involving rapidly evolving technology and is working with law enforcement and global partners to develop improved protections and countermeasures.

Owners of high-value utility vehicles, particularly those with four-wheel drive capabilities, have been urged to adopt additional security measures, including physical locks, off-street parking, and enhanced alarm systems.

45 Vehicles Still Missing

For many victims, the emotional and financial toll has been profound. In at least one documented case, a Toyota Land Cruiser valued at more than $81k (AU $120,000) was taken from a residential driveway in under sixty seconds, according to local reporting. Owners described their distress at the rapidity of the theft and praised police for recovering their vehicle but stressed that better preventative measures are needed.

Police maintain that the syndicate no longer poses an immediate threat to the community, but the case has prompted renewed calls for vigilance among vehicle owners and industry stakeholders. Investigators are still trying to locate the approximately 45 vehicles they believe have not yet been found and are urging anyone with information to contact local authorities.

Sources: News.com.au, ABC