KATY, Texas (KTRK) — A Katy husband and wife are accused of stealing millions of dollars’ worth of high-end vehicles by hacking into a computer program used to ship cars across the country, according to newly filed court records.
The couple – identified as Dheyaa Abd and his wife, Iman Al Saedi – made their initial court appearance Friday, two days after Houston police raided Abd’s small mechanic shop near Fondren and Richmond. Investigators say the alleged theft ring is notable not only for its sophistication but also for the value of the vehicles involved, which they estimate at more than $3 million.
Eyewitnesses told authorities that police arrived early Wednesday morning to search the repair bay. Court documents accuse Abd, Al Saedi and two additional suspects of hacking into a commercial shipping database used to transport luxury vehicles nationwide. Investigators allege the group altered drop-off locations so they could intercept and steal the cars.
“All were involved in a high-end theft ring where numerous vehicles were stolen via transport vehicles. You all hacked into Central Database and rerouted shipments of luxury cars at different drop-off locations,” a judge said while reading the charges in court.
Both Abd and Al Saedi remained in jail Friday. Houston police declined to comment further, saying they expect additional arrests. Abd’s attorney said by phone that he plans to review the charges over the weekend to gather more information.
“This story comes from our news partner ABC13 Houston.“