DEARBORN, Mich. — A Ford Motor Company employee is one of four individuals arrested in connection with a large-scale theft operation involving stolen Ford vehicle parts, authorities confirmed Monday.
The arrests, which occurred on May 6, followed a months-long investigation by the Dearborn Police Department, in coordination with Ford’s Global Security team and other law enforcement partners.
The suspects are believed to have orchestrated a scheme to steal new vehicle components from multiple Ford manufacturing facilities, including:
Rouge Complex in Dearborn
Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne
Flat Rock Assembly Plant
According to Dearborn Public Information Officer Dan Bartok, items allegedly stolen from the plants included hoods, bumpers, headlights, running boards, and other high-value vehicle components. The stolen parts were reportedly resold by a Detroit-based business, which is also under investigation.
Law enforcement executed search warrants at several locations, including residences in Dearborn and Canton, as well as two commercial properties in Detroit. Authorities are still working to determine the full scope and value of the operation.
“These arrests were made possible through the diligent and sophisticated work of our investigative units and with the help and cooperation of the Ford Motor Company Global Security,” said Dearborn Police Chief Issa Shahin. “Such criminal plots will not be tolerated in Dearborn, and we will employ all resources to bring them down.”
The identities of the suspects have not been released pending the formal issuance of charges by the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office.
In a statement to the Detroit Free Press, Ford spokesperson Lars Weborg expressed appreciation for the joint efforts:
“We are grateful to law enforcement for their collaborative efforts.”
The investigation is ongoing, and additional arrests or charges may be forthcoming.
