Hacked, Cloned, Gone: Inside Europe's Car Theft Underworld

We gained exceptional access to the international criminal networks making a fortune from stolen cars. In order to break into the electronic security systems, these thieves have become veritable hackers. Using just the car numberplate, they can obtain clones of keys and fabricate fake vehicle registration documents in order to pass undetected across borders. In this film, they reveal all their tricks. When Mehdi wants to steal a car, the first step is to make a key to open it without breaking in. He starts by photographing the registration number and sending it to hackers in Eastern Europe who have access to the manufacturers’ databases. For a 50 Euro fee, they send Mehdi an encrypted code almost instantaneously, which enables him to make a new physical key. These vehicles are then usually smuggled overseas very quickly.  In recent years, Poland has become a hub for the trafficking of stolen cars in Europe. From Poland, the vehicles then travels further east, towards Kazakhstan and Ukraine. But first, it needs new paperwork. Thanks to accomplices working inside the car manufacturers, the networks have access to blank registration documents. At this point, it becomes virtually undetectable. Recent years have seen the rise of a new phenomenon: the theft of car accessories. These are very expensive and sometimes difficult to buy new. In one suburb south of Paris, thieves posed as building managers gained access to a residents car part where, over the course of a few weeks, they stripped 60 vehicles of parts. Surveillance footage showed them operating with complete impunity. This documentary dives into the heart of this organised crime network and reveals the hidden secrets of this growing threat. This documentary was produced by Patrick Spica Productions and directed by Ibar Aibar & Solène Oeino. It was first released in 2025. ------- Bear witness to monumental moments in human history, and human's most terrible crimes. Java Witness is home to incredible stories of good and evil, from fascinating stories of old, to chilling documents of heinous murders and modern-day mafias and gangs. From dinosaurs to medieval feasts, ancient wars and battles, through Kings and Queens, World Wars and critical world events, watch some of the best history documentary series, world history specials and more, all for FREE! Hit SUBSCRIBE and enable the bell notifications to know first about all new documentaries on the channel! At least 2 FULL documentaries available to watch FREE online every week! Subscribe to our Discover channel for more documentaries:    / javafilms