The team was ultra-organized and used sophisticated technology. This Tuesday, June 6 in the early morning, the police of Mureaux and the departmental security of Yvelines arrested six men suspected of being involved in a vast traffic of stolen cars for export, we learned this Wednesday.
Investigators had been following the trail for three months. On the night of March 22 to 23, a Toyota Rav4 is stolen in front of the home of an individual, rue Utrillo, in Mureaux (Yvelines). Thanks to the information provided by the victim, the SUV was found a few days later in a garage in Aubergenville, a neighboring town.
The police then believe that judicial links can be established between this case and several other thefts – at least twenty-two, according to a source close to the case – committed in the same geographical area and targeting the same type of vehicles.
With the help of the departmental security, the Mureaux investigators activate a surveillance system, which allows them to highlight a traffic whose actors act "according to the same modus operandi and in a very structured way". Once stolen, the cars are stored in boxes, equipped with false license plates and then placed in containers bound for Africa.
Four vehicles seized and a whole technical arsenal
The six suspects identified during the surveillance operations were arrested at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, June 6, and placed in custody for robbery in an organized gang, concealment in an organized gang and participation in a criminal association.
During initial searches, investigators seized a 2008 Peugeot, a Toyota Yaris, a Lexus and a Piaggio Liberty scooter. They also got their hands on a whole range of "tools": a reprogramming key, parking badges and an anti-tracking signal detector that can detect GPS beacons or spy cameras.
During the search of the home of one of the protagonists, 1.3 kg of cannabis resin and 200 euros in cash were also seized. Investigations are ongoing.
