Queensland police dismantle an international ring that stole 60 Toyota Land Cruiser and Prado SUVs worth $8 million. Read the full story now!
Queensland Police announced today that they have broken up a sophisticated international crime network responsible for stealing more than 60 Toyota Land Cruiser and Prado luxury SUVs from the Brisbane area.
Operation “Xray Lox” targets a rising wave of vehicle theft
Launched in mid‑November 2025, the task force – a joint effort between the Queensland Criminal Investigation Service (CIC) and the Major and Organized Crime Squad Brisbane (MOCSB) – set out to curb an alarming spike in high‑value SUV thefts.
Scale of the heist
Between 20 October and 1 December last year, the gang pilfered an estimated 60 vehicles with a combined market value of roughly AUD 8 million (about US 5.3 million). The stolen models were primarily the Toyota Land Cruiser LC250 – known locally as the Prado – and the newer LC300.
How the SUVs were moved
Investigators recovered 15 of the missing SUVs at multiple locations, including a junkyard in Rocklea and containers at both the Port of Brisbane and the Port of Melbourne. Police believe the vehicles were loaded into shipping containers bound for the United Arab Emirates, where they would be sold on the black market.
Seven suspects arrested
Seven men, aged 28 to 45, have been charged with more than 300 offences ranging from grand theft auto to attempts to export the vehicles illegally. The suspects hail from Brazil, Fiji, Japan and Afghanistan and reportedly arrived in Queensland with the sole purpose of targeting Toyota’s premium SUVs for export.
Legal proceedings and ongoing cooperation
The case will be heard at the Brisbane Magistrates Court later this month. Queensland Police continue to work closely with Toyota Australia as the investigation expands, underscoring the broader security concerns for luxury SUVs in the region.
This bust marks one of the largest organized vehicle‑theft operations recorded in Queensland in recent years, highlighting the need for robust security measures for high‑value automobiles.