European authorities have dismantled an international scheme responsible for manufacturing high-tech devices capable of unlocking luxury cars using decoded keys. Five suspects were arrested, and more than €1 million worth of equipment and goods were seized.
French law enforcement launched an investigation after receiving multiple reports of stolen high-end vehicles from a specific brand. Officers soon discovered that the thieves were using modified Bluetooth speakers as unlocking tools.
As the investigation progressed, authorities learned that the group was also producing devices capable of unlocking luxury cars from other manufacturers. These tools were shipped to 17 European countries and several regions worldwide. The main suspect in France collaborated with an accomplice in Italy known for his technical expertise.
The French suspect had been developing these devices since 2022. He obtained original car keys from unsuspecting individuals under the pretext of “decoding,” and tested his devices by traveling internationally to ensure premium vehicles would unlock. He later sold these tools to known car thieves via encrypted messaging platforms, with prices ranging from €3,000 to €50,000.
To dismantle the network, French and Italian authorities sought legal support and coordination from Eurojust, enabling synchronized action across borders.
During the coordinated operation, five suspects were arrested in France. Authorities seized six vehicles, luxury goods, over €100,000 in cash, and car-theft devices valued at approximately €1 million. In Italy, police uncovered a manufacturing site equipped with advanced machinery and a separate location containing packaged devices ready for shipment. Luxury car theft remains one of the most sophisticated criminal markets in Europe. Modern vehicles rely on wireless key access, which criminals increasingly target using advanced relay attacks, signal interception, and specialized devices. This case highlights a shift from opportunistic theft to engineering-grade tools designed specifically for illicit use. Eurojust frequently facilitates multinational operations involving digital evidence, cross-border suspects, and coordinated raids — and this operation exemplifies the effectiveness of joint European investigations.
The arrest of the group behind these advanced unlocking devices demonstrates how criminals are leveraging technology to exploit vehicle security systems. Coordinated efforts between French, Italian, and European authorities were critical in stopping the distribution of these tools. Investigators continue to identify and track individuals who purchased the devices.
