Great Lakes Wire

Eight men from Southeast Michigan have been indicted on charges related to a car theft and international smuggling operation, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. The indictment follows an investigation that began with the Dearborn Police Department and included participation from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

The defendants 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 of transportation of a stolen vehicle.

According to the indictment unsealed today in federal court in Detroit, from July 2023 through August 2025 the group allegedly conspired to receive stolen vehicles at several commercial or industrial lots. The vehicles were then packed into shipping containers and sent via freight or rail to port cities for overseas shipment if not intercepted by law enforcement.

If convicted on the conspiracy charge each defendant could face up to five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000. For transportation of stolen motor vehicles they could face up to ten years in prison plus 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.”

ICE HSI Detroit acting Special Agent in Charge Matthew Stentz stated: “Our efforts have led to the recovery of over 350 stolen vehicles and behind every one of those stolen cars is a victim. 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.”

Reuben Coleman from the FBI’s Detroit Field Office said: “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. 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.”

Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin commented: "This case demonstrates the strength of partnerships between local and federal law enforcement. 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."

CBP Director Marty C. Raybon added: “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. 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.”

The indictment is not evidence that any defendant committed a crime; all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty at trial.

The investigation involved multiple agencies including ICE HSI with assistance from CBP FBI Bureau of Industry and Security various police departments across Southeast Michigan CSX Police Norfolk Southern Police HSI Newark HSI Norfolk CBP Newark as well as officers affiliated with SMACC.

Assistant United States Attorneys Louie Meizlish Hank Moon and Catherine Morris are prosecuting this case.

Anyone with information about this matter is encouraged to contact HSI at HSIDetroit_StolenAuto_Tipline@hsi.dhs.gov