Australia car thefts linked to smuggling for Iran and Russia

The Insurance Council of Australia has warned that organized crime syndicates are stealing vehicles across the country to export them to sanctioned nations, specifically Iran and Russia. Criminal groups are reportedly packing stolen cars into shipping containers and using intermediary ports to bypass detection before the vehicles are dismantled for parts in overseas black markets.

Melbourne has been identified as the primary epicenter for vehicle theft, with more cars stolen or broken into there than in all other Australian capital cities combined. According to insurers, approximately two-thirds of vehicles stolen in Melbourne are never recovered locally.

The financial impact of these thefts is significant, with the national toll exceeding half a billion dollars. In the 2025-26 financial year, Victoria recorded over 12,300 claims costing $244.3 million. Other notable costs include $113 million in Queensland and $98.7 million in New South Wales. Police in Victoria and Queensland have conducted raids on shipping containers and wrecking yards to uncover hidden stolen vehicles.