Portuguese 
Spanish 
Toyota Hilux is a target of thefts in different states and investigation points to vulnerability exploited by specialized gangs.
The Civil Police of Mato Grosso do Sul identified a concerning pattern involving thefts of the Toyota Hilux and the SUV SW4. The investigation, initiated after an increase in crimes in the border region between Brazil and Paraguay, indicates that specialized groups are taking advantage of a vulnerability related to the vehicle’s access system to enter the truck without triggering alarms. The case gained relevance after authorities observed the repetition of the same method in dozens of occurrences recorded between 2025 and 2026.
The rise of this type of crime drew attention mainly due to the concentration in certain models and years of manufacture. According to the report produced by the corporation and obtained by AutoEsporte, 34 units of the Hilux and SW4 were stolen in Mato Grosso do Sul between January and April 2026. All belonged to the production range between 2016 and 2022, with the majority being vehicles manufactured from 2019 onwards.
Toyota Hilux frequently appears in actions of specialized gangs
The criminals’ interest in the pickup did not arise by chance. During an operation carried out in Campo Grande, in September 2025, investigators identified that members of a criminal organization had a preference for Toyota models.
-
End of an era in Brazil: beloved sedan by Brazilians is discontinued despite having a 2.0 engine with 151 hp, CVT transmission, 466-liter trunk, and up to 650 km of range.
-
New Law Proposal in Brazil Could Heavily Penalize Drivers: Dangerous Overtaking May Become a Serious Offense with Fines Increased Tenfold and a 12-Month License Suspension; Update on 2026 Progress
-
Electric Revolution: Watts W125 Motorcycle Offers 160 km Range, 90 km/h Speed, and Affordable Price Starting at $3,000
-
General Motors Replaces Over a Thousand Workers with 50 Cobots at Electric Vehicle Plant, UAW Union Criticizes Move Amid Industry’s Automation Push
Initially, the choice could be related to the value reached by the vehicles in the illegal market. However, the repetition of the cases and the similarity of the thefts led the police to deepen the analysis of possible weaknesses exploited by the criminals.
It was during this work that a specific tool caught the investigators’ attention: a thin and long screwdriver found among the equipment used by the gang.
How does irregular access to vehicles work?
From the seizure of the tool, the police reconstructed the possible dynamics used in the thefts.
According to the hypothesis described in the report, the equipment would be introduced into an area of the handle to interfere with the system responsible for recognizing the electronic key. In this way, the vehicle would interpret the command as legitimate and allow the doors to be opened.
The most relevant aspect, according to the investigators, is that the process would not trigger the original alarm. With this, criminals could access the interior of the vehicle without attracting the attention of residents, security guards, or pedestrians.
The document highlights that this characteristic reduces the apparent signs of invasion, making it difficult to immediately identify the method used.
Second stage increases the risk for the Toyota Hilux
After entering the vehicle, the action does not end. According to the investigation, the next phase involves electronic equipment capable of programming keys compatible with the vehicle. The most sophisticated devices can cost up to R$ 30,000.
However, the report points out an important change observed by the authorities. According to the delegates responsible for the document, cheaper versions of these devices have been found in recent seizures. Some of these devices are being sold for less than R$ 5,000.
Expert compares crime fighting to a constant dispute
An automotive cybersecurity professional interviewed by AutoEsporte explained that the attempt to bypass electronic systems is not a problem restricted to Brazil.
According to him, manufacturers and criminals are in a permanent dispute over the technological protection of vehicles.
The expert stated: “It’s a game of ‘cat and mouse’. Every now and then we discover some bypass of the car’s electronic architecture and discreetly launch an update to make breaking it more difficult.”
According to the engineer, the time available for criminals to study models already consolidated in the market increases the possibilities of finding exploitation loopholes.
Cases surpass the border region
Although the investigation began in Mato Grosso do Sul, the problem was not confined to the state.
Surveys indicate police operations against groups specialized in Hilux thefts in at least eight federative units throughout 2025 and 2026.
Highlighted cases include:
- Minas Gerais, where 80 pickups disappeared just in January 2025;
- Espírito Santo, which recorded the arrest of a suspect identified as the leader of a local gang;
- Federal District, where an investigation estimated losses of R$ 16 million;
- Santa Catarina, Paraná, Bahia, and other states reached by integrated operations.
The investigations also identified vehicle commercialization schemes outside Brazil, with mentions of destinations such as Argentina and Chile.
Protection measures have started to gain space
In light of the increase in thefts, security specialists have begun recommending additional barriers to hinder criminal actions.
Among the alternatives mentioned by private investigator Fabrício Meirelles are complementary blocking systems, tracking, and visible physical locks. According to him, the combination of resources can increase the time needed to execute the crime and make the vehicle less attractive to criminals.
The concern has also reached the private sector. Since July 2023, paid parking lots have started adopting wheel locks on Hilux units parked in their spaces. The measure was later incorporated by large retail chains in parking areas.
Toyota monitors investigation on the Hilux
Contacted by AutoEsporte, Toyota initially stated that it would not comment on the case. Later, the manufacturer released an official statement.
In the statement, the company declared: “Toyota informs that, so far, there are no elements indicating failure or non-compliance of the mentioned component. The company continues to monitor the issue and collaborate with the authorities responsible for the investigation”.
While investigations continue, the case of the Toyota Hilux remains under the monitoring of security forces. The aim of the investigations is to understand the extent of the method used by the gangs and to identify if the vulnerability pointed out by the police is directly related to the increase in thefts recorded in different regions of the country.
