Mercedes-Maybach worth $200,000 stolen in Miami cyber attack
A high-end luxury vehicle worth $200,000 was reported stolen by a South Florida delivery service due to a sophisticated hack. The 2024 Mercedes-Benz GLS600 Maybach was entrusted to a delivery team in Miami, who believed they were handing it over to the rightful owner. However, Dealership Choice Auto Transport of West Palm Beach disclosed that the vehicle ended up in the possession of an unauthorized individual.
CEO Steven Yariv explained the standard procedure followed by the company, which involves verifying driver credentials and collecting necessary information before delivering the vehicle. Despite the precautions taken, the criminal managed to hack into the driver’s portal, gaining access to information about the transported vehicles. Consequently, the Maybach was redirected to Miami instead of its intended destination in Hollywood, Broward County.
The theft came to light when the delivery team noticed discrepancies after sending confirmation pictures of the drop-off. Yariv revealed that the thief even taunted them through text messages, claiming the car had been taken to Dubai or Europe. In response, the company is offering a $20,000 reward for any information leading to the recovery of the vehicle and has filed a report with the Miami police.
Expressing frustration over the incident, Yariv emphasized the daily challenges faced in safeguarding clients’ assets. Despite being one of the leading transport carriers and brokers in the country, the company continues to combat such security breaches. Individuals with knowledge about the whereabouts of the stolen car or the identity of the thief are urged to contact the Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-8477.
In a bid to recover the high-value vehicle and bring the culprit to justice, the authorities are actively involved in investigating the sophisticated hack that led to the unlawful acquisition of the Mercedes-Benz. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against cybercrime and the importance of stringent security measures in safeguarding valuable assets during transportation.
