Dozens of stolen luxury cars recovered after eight-year investigation by British and Thai authorities
British and Thai police have teamed up to conclude an eight-year investigation into vehicle theft. As a result, we recovered 35 vehicles with a total value of $7.8 million. This group includes a Lambo Huracan, a Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, and several Nissan GT-Rs.
Operation Titanium began eight years ago, but only now are we getting a glimpse behind the curtain. The secretive cross-border crackdown, led by British and Thai authorities, was aimed at tracking stolen luxury cars stolen from the UK. Nearly a decade later, this joint effort has yielded significant results, including more than a dozen arrests, the recovery of dozens of cars, and even one Lamborghini returned to its original owner. Great headline, to be sure, but there’s a bigger story here than a few repatriated supercars.
The UK National Vehicle Crime Intelligence Service (NaVCIS) reported the resolution on Thursday. Fraudulent loan transactions in 2017 and 2018 provided criminals with a ticket to acquiring these high-end machines. Shortly thereafter, the suspects transported the vehicle to Bangkok, Thailand. British authorities contacted Thai authorities and the two countries began working together to hold the perpetrators accountable.
Read more: Four men charged with stealing 120 luxury cars and motorcycles, from BMW to Rolls-Royce
Photos from the release site showcase an enviable collection, including a green Lamborghini Huracan Spyder, a blue Porsche 718 Cayman GT4, a Ford Mustang convertible, a Honda Civic Type R, several Nissan GT-Rs, and a few BMWs. I am. Authorities found several cars for sale in Thailand. In total, they raided nine different locations in Bangkok. As a result, the gang leader and 12 others were eventually arrested, the BBC reports.
A total of 35 luxury cars were rescued, with a total value of approximately $7.8 million. Some vehicles, like the Huracan, have already returned to their rightful owners. NaVCIS said, “The owner of this Lamborghini runs a rental car company that was on the verge of going bankrupt due to losses.”
Stealing luxury cars in the UK and taking them abroad isn’t as uncommon as you might think. Earlier this year, we told you about the Ferrari F512M that was recovered in Japan. It was stolen from England about 30 years ago.
And Britain is not alone in feeling the pinch. Stolen cars routinely cross national borders from Canada and the United States to destinations on the other side of the world. Luxury cars often disappear in North America and reappear in Africa and other countries east of the Atlantic. Ferraris and Porsches plucked from familiar streets seem to have buyers waiting far away.
