The main suspect, who had been building these devices since 2022, sold them worldwide through encrypted messaging services. The devices were sold to known car thieves for prices ranging from EUR 3 000 to EUR 50 000. Thieves were able to use the devices on different well-known car brands, including luxury cars.

French authorities launched an investigation after noticing an increase in the theft of specific vehicles. They quickly discovered that reprogrammed speakers had been used in the thefts. As investigations continued, it emerged that the criminals were also producing other types of technical devices for unlocking cars. These devices were shipped to 17 European countries, as well as other countries around the world. The main suspect allegedly used unsuspecting accomplices to obtain original keys for decoding purposes. He is also suspected of travelling abroad to test his devices on high-end vehicles.

Investigations revealed that the main French suspect collaborated with an Italian suspect, known for his technical expertise, to create the devices. To take down the international network, judicial cooperation was required and set up at Eurojust. As crucial information was shared at Eurojust, investigations were also launched in Italy.

A coordinated operation was agreed upon between French and Italian authorities to take down the criminal group. During the actions, five suspects were arrested in France that led to three individuals placed in detention following policy custody. In Italy, they discovered a manufacturing site equipped with advanced equipment for the design and production of the devices. At a business site, they also found other evidence, including packages ready to be shipped. In France during searched carried out, authorities seized 6 vehicles, over EUR 100 000, luxury goods and the theft devices with an estimated market value of about EUR 1 million.

The actions were carried out by the following authorities:

• France: Public Prosecutor Office Paris - Cybercrime section; Investigative judges Court of Paris; Gendarmerie Nationale Cybercrime unit
• Italy: Public Prosecutor Office of Palermo; Carabinieri Palermo Provincial Command