International car theft ring busted in Dearborn, $35 million in vehicles recovered

Federal authorities have dismantled an alleged international car theft and smuggling ring, recovering about $35 million in stolen vehicles. Two of the eight charged men, Moustapha Al Fetlawi and Haydar Al Haydari, appeared in court, where Al Fetlawi was released on bond, but Al Haydari was detained due to his criminal history and role in the operation. The operation reportedly occurred from July 2023 until recently, involving stolen cars packed into shipping containers for the Middle East. Al Haydari was linked to a past “chop shop” case, and wiretap evidence contrasted his claim of making $10 million with his recorded income of $37,000.