For decades, Detroit earned its reputation as the iconic Motor City, a powerhouse in American automobile manufacturing and a leader in global industry. However, the city’s identity has evolved. While cars are still produced in the region, Detroit has recently gained notoriety as a hotspot for vehicle thefts, with many stolen automobiles reportedly being shipped to the Middle East.

In a recent crackdown, authorities apprehended eight individuals linked to this car theft and smuggling operation, though it is believed that many more could be involved.

The specifics regarding the involvement of “juveniles” remain unclear, but it’s plausible they were chosen for the thefts due to the likelihood of facing less severe penalties if caught, or perhaps because they would settle for a smaller share of the profits.

Interestingly, there is no available information about the immigration status of the eight suspects involved in the operation.

In September, eight men were indicted in federal court for allegedly operating a car theft and international smuggling operation in Detroit, Michigan, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan said in a news release. 

According to the 12-count indictment, the eight suspects conspired among themselves and others to coordinate the deliveries of stolen vehicles at one of four commercial or industrial lots throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. Once the vehicles were delivered, prosecutors said the men would pack at least two of the stolen vehicles into shipping containers and send them to nearby port cities by freight or rail. 

It’s not clear what the status of the “juveniles” described is, but it’s not impossible that they were selected to do the actual theft because they face lesser consequences if caught – or maybe just because they’ll take a smaller cut.

Here’s the onion:

“A lot of the cars were shipped to the Middle East,” Dearborn Police Cpl. Daniel Bartok told FOX 2, including locations like Iraq and Dubai.

The suspects have been identified as 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, according to federal prosecutors. 

All eight men are charged with one count of conspiracy to transport stolen vehicles and one or more counts of transportation of a stolen vehicle, prosecutors said.

There is no indication as to the immigration status of any of the eight suspects.