Queensland police dismantle a global ring stealing 60 Toyota Land Cruiser and Prado SUVs worth $8 million. Read how authorities halted the crime.
Queensland police announced the successful takedown of an international syndicate targeting high‑end Toyota SUVs. Over a six‑month period, the ring stole roughly 60 Land Cruiser and Prado models – a haul valued at about AU$8 million – before the vehicles could be shipped abroad.
Operation Xray Lox: A coordinated crackdown
Dubbed “Operation Xray Lox,” the investigation began in mid‑November 2025. Detectives from the Major and Organised Crime Squad (MOCSB) teamed up with local officers to combat a surge in luxury‑SUV thefts across Brisbane and surrounding regions.
How the thefts unfolded
Between 20 October and 1 December 2024, the criminal network systematically stole SUVs from private owners, dealerships and even from a car‑dismantling yard in Rocklea. The stolen vehicles were then concealed in shipping containers at the ports of Brisbane and Melbourne, ready for export to the United Arab Emirates, where they would be sold on the black market.
The scale of the operation
- ~60 SUVs taken – primarily Toyota Land Cruiser LC250 (known locally as the Prado) and the newer LC300.
- Estimated loss: AU$8 million (≈ USD 5.3 million).
- 15 recovered vehicles seized at various locations, including a dismantling site and two major ports.
Arrests and charges
Police apprehended seven men, aged 28‑45, from Brazil, Fiji, Japan and Afghanistan. All are charged with more than 300 offences ranging from vehicle theft to attempted export of stolen goods. Prosecutors say each suspect arrived in Queensland with “the sole purpose of stealing high‑value Toyota SUVs for overseas sale.”
Legal proceedings and next steps
The case will be heard at the Brisbane Magistrates Court later this month. Queensland Police are working closely with Toyota Australia to trace any remaining stolen units and to tighten security protocols for high‑value vehicles.
Why this matters
It is one of the largest organised vehicle‑theft cases recorded in the region in recent years, underscoring the growing threat to luxury SUV owners and the importance of cross‑border cooperation in combating transnational automotive crime.
Stay informed about vehicle‑theft trends and learn how to protect your own assets by following updates from local law‑enforcement agencies.