Luxury Car Theft Ring Busted in Florida
Three suspects have been apprehended in connection with a luxury car theft ring in South Florida. Among the stolen vehicles was a 2020 Rolls-Royce valued at $300,000. The Miami Beach Police are investigating how the scheme operated.
Car theft is becoming more sophisticated, moving beyond traditional methods such as hotwiring. The Miami Beach Police busted the ring after an investigation that began when Nader Eldamou, a Detroit resident, reported his Rolls-Royce missing. Eldamou recounted his experience to Miami Fox affiliate WSVN 7News, explaining that his $300,000 Rolls-Royce is still missing.
How the Scheme Worked
The thieves targeted vehicle dispatchers and transporters, companies responsible for delivering cars to various locations, including car shows and dealerships. The criminals managed to manipulate the dispatchers into changing the cars’ delivery destinations in order to receive the luxury cars directly. Police spokesperson Christopher Bess of the Miami Beach Police stated, “They present paperwork that seems legitimate, and they go away with the vehicle.”
After Eldamou’s Rolls-Royce went missing, authorities traced the arrangement to Armenian and Russian brokers. A delivery driver, unknowingly caught up in the scam, was rerouting luxury cars. The vehicles, including a Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini Urus, and Audi R8, were rerouted to locations in Hallandale Beach.
Surveillance footage showed the suspects following the transport vehicles and taking the cars after they were rerouted to the wrong location. To shut down the operation, police set up a sting, organizing a controlled delivery of a Lamborghini Urus. Three suspects arrived in a stolen Rolls-Royce Cullinan and a Bentley to pay $700 for the Lamborghini’s delivery. Police arrested the men and recovered two stolen vehicles at the scene; however, Eldamou’s Rolls-Royce remains unrecovered.
How to Protect Your Vehicle
As vehicle transport fraud increases, the police offer these practical tips to help owners protect their vehicles:
- Use a GPS tracking system on your car. You can contact your car dealer to install one.
- Research transport companies thoroughly before they move your car.
- Confirm that no one has rerouted the delivery of your car.
By following these steps, drivers can enhance their vehicle’s safety and prevent theft.
