Major Holden rebirthing ring busted after police raid homes in Narre Warren and South Gippsland

A major Holden Special Vehicles rebirthing ring has been busted after police allegedly found stolen cars, drugs and IDs during raids in Narre Warren and South Gippsland.

A major Holden Special Vehicles rebirthing ring has been busted in Melbourne’s southeast, police say.

Hot Holdens, surveillance-sweeping gear and hi-tech tools have been uncovered during two raids as part of the operation.

Detectives from the vehicle crime squad have charged a man overnight and seized three previously stolen HSVs, along with drugs, and stolen IDs and car parts.

The investigators had been running an inquiry into the rebirthing of stolen Holden V8s.

A 30-year-old Newborough man was arrested on Wednesday at a Narre Warren home as detectives, assisted by the illicit firearms and fugitive squads, made their move.

The man detained was later charged with more than 43 offences, including handling stolen goods, theft of motor vehicles, theft from motor vehicles, theft and possessing a drug of dependence.

One of the Holdens seized. Picture: Supplied

A statement said he was remanded to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on July 3.

A stolen Holden VF SS, methylamphetamine, about 20 sets of vehicle keys allegedly linked to a burglary, sets of stolen number plates, diagnostic tools valued at over $50,000 and victim IDs stolen from their cars were seized at the Narre Warren property.

A warrant carried out as part of the same investigation was carried out at Darlimurla, in South Gippsland, last month.

Two previously stolen Holdens – an SSV Redline utility, a Clubsport – were recovered in that raid.

Hot Holdens, surveillance-sweeping gear and hi-tech tools were uncovered. Picture: Supplied

Also seized were a vehicle fitted with a stolen SSV Walkinshaw sedan interior, front and rear bumpers from stolen vehicles, an engine from a six-litre V8 Holden, stolen number plates and a surveillance device sweeper.

The two stolen vehicles allegedly had their window vehicle identification numbers replaced, the stamped floor VINs had been cut out and replaced, electronic control units replaced and engine numbers ground off.

“Police will allege those involved were rebirthing and onselling stolen Holden vehicles, specifically Holden Special Vehicles,” a Victoria Police statement said.

The investigation is continuing.

Originally published as Major Holden rebirthing ring busted after police raid homes in Narre Warren and South Gippsland