Crackdown on Luxury Hybrid Thefts

A sophisticated crime network involved in the theft of over 100 luxury hybrid cars across Europe has been dismantled through an international operation coordinated by Europol along with Italian Carabinieri and supported by Eurojust. The crackdown took place in Belgium, Italy, and Spain, targeting a group primarily composed of Russian-speaking Moldovan nationals.

The operation, culminating on October 7, 2025, led to nine arrests across Italy’s Reggio Emilia and Lombardy regions. Authorities seized assets including EUR 35,000 in cash and EUR 150,000 in cryptocurrencies. Approximately 100 law enforcement officers from Spain, Italy, and Belgium participated in the strategic action day, demonstrating significant international collaboration.

The criminal network exhibited a high level of sophistication in their operations, utilizing military-style strategies, GPS trackers to monitor potential theft targets, and advanced electronic tools to override vehicle security systems. The stolen vehicles and parts were trafficked through the Port of Antwerp and dispersed across illegal international markets. Furthermore, the investigation revealed a complex cryptocurrency network used to facilitate financial transactions among the criminals.

Europol’s involvement included facilitating operational meetings, providing intelligence analysis, and deploying experts to the field to assist in the ongoing investigations. Eurojust played a crucial role in establishing a joint investigation team between Italian and Spanish authorities in 2024, aiming to dismantle the expansive network. This operation is part of the broader EMPACT initiative, which focuses on combatting severe international crime threatening the EU.

The success of this operation highlights the effectiveness of transnational cooperation in tackling organized crime and underscores the ongoing commitment of European authorities to secure public safety and disrupt illegal activities.