Toyota Land Cruiser Theft Ring: Three Brazilian Nationals Arrested Over Suspected Theft of 50 Vehicles Across Tokyo and Seven Prefectures
This article organizes publicly available information into a single account. Where it describes an arrest or an ongoing investigation, that reflects only one stage of criminal procedure and does not mean guilt has been established (the presumption of innocence applies). We will update this article as new information becomes available, including the outcome of prosecution, non-prosecution, or trial. This article is not intended to unfairly disparage any individual, group, nationality, ethnicity, or belief, and aims to provide objective, fact-based information.
In February 2026, Chiba Prefectural Police arrested three Brazilian nationals on suspicion of theft for allegedly stealing a Toyota Land Cruiser (valued at approximately 8.5 million yen) from a residential parking lot in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture. The theft had occurred in December 2025.
The suspects are believed to have used a technique known as a "CAN invader" to electronically unlock the vehicle and drive it away within minutes, and may be connected to the theft of a total of 50 vehicles across one metropolis and seven prefectures. Current status: The suspects have been arrested; whether they will be indicted has not been disclosed as of this writing.
The so-called "CAN invader" method reportedly involves connecting an unauthorized device to a vehicle's wiring and sending fraudulent signals into its control system (CAN communication network) to unlock and start the vehicle without an electronic key. Experts say the technique has been increasingly used in vehicle thefts in recent years, and automakers have been strengthening security measures in response.
Alongside a large-scale vehicle theft and smuggling case involving Ugandan and Nigerian nationals (related coverage), uncovering the full extent of overseas smuggling routes for stolen vehicles remains a challenge going forward.