Fijians tied to alleged multi million-dollar car racket

Fijians are alleged to be part of an international crime ring reported to have stolen dozens of Toyota vehicles from Brisbane and shipped them for sale in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Australia’s 9News reported last night that seven men, believed to be from Japan, Brazil, Fiji and Afghanistan, are on the Australian police radar after flying into Australia last October and allegedly stealing 60 vehicles across the region between October 20 and December 1.

It was reported that the vehicles, which were packed into shipping containers and sent to the UAE for an estimated $9 million profit, were uncovered when two stolen Land Cruisers were driven into a wrecking yard in Rocklea, a southern suburb of Brisbane, Queensland.

Police found the vehicles inside a shipping container hidden behind a “facade” of disassembled vehicle parts.

Two more shipping containers containing four allegedly stolen vehicles were found at the Port of Brisbane in the following weeks, while another four shipping containers were located at the Port of Melbourne.

Police have recovered only 15 of the allegedly stolen Toyota vehicles, with the remaining vehicles believed to have already arrived in the UAE.

The seven men, aged between 28 and 45, have been arrested and charged with more than 300 offences.

Of the seven, a 29‑year‑old, a 40‑year‑old, a 44‑year‑old and a 45‑year‑old were each charged with 60 counts of stealing a vehicle and six counts of attempted vehicle theft.

A 28‑year‑old was charged with 17 counts of stealing a vehicle, while a 31‑year‑old was charged with 32 counts of stealing a vehicle.

Another 40‑year‑old was charged with two counts of stealing a vehicle and will face the same court later this month.

All seven men will remain in custody until their appearance in the Brisbane Magistrate Court later this month.