Dearborn, MI – Two men tied to an eight-person international car smuggling ring in Metro Detroit appeared in federal court Monday following last week’s raid in Dearborn that uncovered hundreds of stolen vehicles and car parts.
Details of the Car Theft Operation
According to a 12-page federal indictment, the operation ran from July 2023 through August 2025. Prosecutors revealed that the group systematically stole vehicles from various locations and transported them to commercial and industrial lots where they were prepared for shipment overseas.
The stolen cars were then loaded into shipping containers bound for destinations in the Middle East, part of what authorities described as a sophisticated international smuggling network.
During the investigation, authorities successfully recovered 350 stolen vehicles, valued at approximately $35 million, along with numerous car parts. Investigators noted that the scale and organization of the operation marked it as one of the largest in recent Metro Detroit history.
Arrests and Court Proceedings
The defendants, identified as Al Fetlawi and Al Haydari, appeared in federal court Monday. After reviewing the case, the court released Al Fetlawi on bond.
However, Al Haydari was ordered to remain in custody due to concerns about his criminal history and financial discrepancies. According to reports, prosecutors highlighted Haydari’s past legal troubles, including allegations of running a “chop shop” in 2020. Although the defense pointed out that this earlier case resulted in a misdemeanor conviction, authorities emphasized its relevance in assessing the risk posed by Haydari.
Financial Evidence Against Haydari
Prosecutors presented compelling evidence from a wiretap recording, in which Haydari claimed to have earned $10 million from his activities. In contrast, his 2023 tax filings reported only $37,000 in income, raising questions about the source and legitimacy of his finances.
During the hearing, the judge remarked that Al Haydari was “up to his neck” in the smuggling operation, highlighting the severity of his involvement in the scheme.
Investigation and Raid
The arrests came after a coordinated raid in Dearborn last week. TCD News provided Local 4 with video footage of the operation, showing law enforcement officers seizing the stolen vehicles and other evidence. The raid marked a significant breakthrough in a case that authorities had been investigating for over two years.
Officials also noted that the recovered vehicles were in various stages of modification and disassembly, indicating that the suspects had established an organized system for preparing stolen cars for international shipment.
Community Impact and Law Enforcement Efforts
Law enforcement agencies stressed the importance of community cooperation in uncovering such large-scale theft operations. Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity related to vehicle thefts, as investigations into the ring are ongoing and authorities believe there may be additional undetected victims.
Prosecutors are continuing to pursue charges against the remaining members of the alleged smuggling network. The case demonstrates the federal government’s commitment to cracking down on organized vehicle theft and international smuggling operations.
What are your thoughts on this massive theft ring in Metro Detroit? Do you think the authorities are doing enough to prevent similar crimes? Share your opinion in the comments below!
