£1 Million Worth of Stolen Car Parts Seized in Major Kent Raid
Police Smash Sophisticated Vehicle Theft Ring
Kent police have struck a massive blow against organised crime by seizing over £1 million in stolen car parts. A daring operation targeted a suspected chop shop and car theft ring, uncovering two key sites linked to the racket. Two men from Ilford, Essex, have been charged after coordinated raids dismantled the criminal network.
Two Key Crime Hubs Exposed
maidstone/" title="Maidstone" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Maidstone CID zeroed in on premises on Scragged Oak Lane, Detling, where dozens of stolen vehicles were stripped between September 2024 and May 2025. A second haul of thousands of suspected stolen car parts was found at a distribution centre on Waterditch Road, Lenham, during a police search on 24 April that cemented the case against the suspects.
Two Men Charged Over Stolen Parts Scam
- Asad Mahmood, 25, of Northwood Gardens, Ilford, was charged on 21 May with conspiracy to receive and handling stolen goods. He appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court and was remanded in custody.
- Asif Iqbal-Kahn, 40, also from Ilford, faces charges of conspiracy to receive stolen goods, driving while disqualified, driving without insurance, and using a false number plate. He appeared at the same court on 3 May and was also remanded.
Both men await separate hearings at Maidstone Crown Court in June 2025.
Ongoing Probe Into South East England Vehicle Theft
Kent Police confirmed the sites are linked to a wider vehicle theft network operating across South East England. Investigations continue, with officers warning more arrests and charges could follow.
“This operation represents a significant disruption to organised vehicle theft networks operating in the region,” said a Kent Police spokesperson. “We continue to appeal to anyone with information relating to the movement or sale of stolen car parts to contact police.”
Got Info? Help Police Crack the Case
If you have any details about stolen car parts or suspicious activity related to these raids, call Kent Police on 101, quoting the Detling and Lenham operation. You can also report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
