Eight men from Michigan have been accused by prosecutors of participating in advanced car theft and international smuggling schemes, as outlined in a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s office for the Eastern District of Michigan.

The charges, which were recently unsealed, allege that these individuals conspired to acquire stolen vehicles from four specific commercial or industrial lots between July 2023 and August 2025. Authorities indicated that if the vehicles reach port cities without being intercepted by law enforcement, they could be shipped abroad.

“Stolen cars don’t belong in interstate commerce or foreign trade,” said Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon Jr. during the announcement of the arrest.

All eight face charges, including a single count of conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles and at least one count for transporting such vehicles.

If they are convicted of conspiracy, each could incur a fine of up to $250,000 and a maximum prison sentence of five years. If found guilty of transporting stolen vehicles, the potential prison time could extend to ten years, along with an additional $250,000 fine.

The investigation is being conducted by the Dearborn Police Department, with assistance from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the FBI.

ICE HSI Detroit has reported the recovery of over 350 stolen vehicles, as noted by a special agent speaking on behalf of Matthew Stentz. “This situation hits particularly close to home in Michigan, where car thefts not only affect our finances but also our community culture,” he remarked.

The indictment highlights the crucial role of cooperation among law enforcement agencies to ensure that those who take advantage of our borders for illegal commercial vehicle smuggling can face justice.

ICE has not yet responded to inquiries regarding the status of the allegedly involved immigrants.