Queensland police have dismantled an international ring that stole 60 Toyota Land Cruiser and Prado SUVs worth $8 million. Read the full story now.
Queensland police announced the successful disruption of a sophisticated, trans‑national crime ring that targeted high‑end Toyota Land Cruiser and Prado SUVs. The operation, dubbed “Operation X‑Ray Lox,” led to the seizure of dozens of stolen vehicles and the arrest of seven suspects from four different countries.
What Happened?
Between October 20, 2024 and December 1, 2024, the gang stole an estimated 60 Toyota SUVs – primarily the LC250 (known locally as the Prado) and the newer LC300 – from affluent suburbs around Brisbane. The thefts, which collectively amounted to roughly AU$8 million (about US$5.3 million), were part of a coordinated plan to export the vehicles to the United Arab Emirates for resale.
Operation X‑Ray Lox
The Specialist Crime and Counter‑Terrorism Command of the Queensland Police Service (QPS), together with the Major Organised Crime Squad in Brisbane, launched the investigation in mid‑November 2025. Detectives traced a network that used multiple drop‑off points, including a scrapyard in Rocklea and shipping containers at both the Port of Brisbane and the Port of Melbourne.
Investigators recovered 15 stolen SUVs hidden inside containers bound for export. The vehicles were slated for shipment to the UAE, where they would have fetched a premium price on the black market.
Arrests and Charges
Seven men, aged between 28 and 45, were taken into custody. The suspects hold passports from Brazil, Fiji, Japan and Afghanistan. They face over 300 counts, ranging from grand theft auto to conspiracy to traffic stolen vehicles abroad.
Authorities say the men arrived in Queensland with a single purpose: to locate, hijack and funnel popular Toyota SUVs out of the country. Their organized approach and use of international shipping channels underscore the global nature of modern vehicle theft rings.
Next Steps
The case will be heard in the Brisbane Magistrates Court later this month. Queensland Police are continuing to work closely with Toyota Australia to trace any remaining stolen units and to tighten security protocols for premium SUVs across the region.
Why It Matters
This bust is among the largest organised vehicle‑theft cases recorded in the area in recent years. It highlights growing concerns for owners of luxury SUVs, a segment increasingly targeted by well‑funded criminal networks seeking quick, high‑value returns.
Owners are urged to install advanced tracking devices, park in secure locations and stay vigilant for any unusual activity around their vehicles.