Trio charged over alleged $2 million HSV rebirthing racket

Three Melbourne men have been charged by police after a months-long investigation into the alleged theft of more than 30 Holdens.

Victoria Police say the thieves began targeting new Holden Special Vehicles (HSV) models worth between $50,000 and $120,000 in October 2022, bringing the total value of the stolen cars to about $2 million. dollars.

The police seized 11 cars. Drugs, cash, two engines, a stolen transmission and stolen license plates were also confiscated.

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Rebirthing is an illegal process whereby stolen vehicles are fitted with identification parts (VIN plates etc.) from a damaged or depreciated version of the same car so that the stolen car can be resold with a new identity.

While illegal, it’s also fairly common. In recent years, a number of rebirthing syndicates have been disbanded after targeting everything from Porsches to Subarus – and Victoria Police say more operations are on the horizon.

A 32-year-old Clayton man, a 28-year-old Newborough man and a 32-year-old Kangaroo Flat man have been charged with a range of offenses including handling stolen goods.

They will appear in court in March, June and May respectively.

“The broader implications of this type of crime can affect society as a whole – from someone being unable to get to work or taking their children to school because their car was stolen, to insurance premiums being levied on everyone, to cover the cost of vehicle theft,” said Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Jarrod Turner, Vehicle Crime Squad.

“The Vehicle Crime Squad will continue to target those contributing to organized motor vehicle crime in Victoria and will cease all illegal activities of this nature,” he said in a statement.

“There are a number of companies and operations on our radar right now. So if you are trading illegally or profiting from the rebirth of vehicles, parts or scrap metal, you can expect a visit from us.”