Four men charged in alleged $80,000 Ford Rouge parts theft and eBay resale scheme

Four men have pleaded not guilty in a case involving more than $80,000 in new Ford car and truck parts that prosecutors say were stolen from the Rouge Plant in Dearborn and resold through a Detroit auto parts shop and on eBay.

Wissam Faraj, 35, of Canton, and Aiman Kahil, 25, Firas Kahil, 36, and Badr Kahil, 63, all of Dearborn, were arraigned Tuesday in Michigan’s 19th District Court. Each is charged with conducting a criminal enterprise and receiving and concealing stolen property. Faraj worked for Ford at the time of the alleged thefts and was fired in 2025.

Prosecutors say the operation ran on Saturday nights from March 8 through April 19, 2025, a span of seven Saturdays. According to the account reported by WDIV, Aiman Kahil ordered parts from Faraj, who delivered them to Startec Auto Parts in Detroit. Prosecutors allege the three Kahils then sold the parts through the shop, with most sales taking place on eBay.

The investigation began after Ford employees raised concerns with supervisors. Ford’s internal security team looked into the matter and referred it to Dearborn police, who arranged a controlled purchase before obtaining search warrants. Police said they arrested four men on May 6, 2025, and served warrants at homes in Dearborn and Canton and at two Detroit businesses.

Prosecutors said investigators reviewed thousands of text messages, emails and photos, including security images tied to deliveries. They also said thousands of parts were recovered. The reports did not identify which parts were taken or who bought them online.

The criminal enterprise charge carries a maximum of 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. The stolen property charge carries up to 10 years at the value alleged in the case. Those are maximum penalties; none of the four men has been convicted.

CBS Detroit reported that Faraj’s bond was set at $200,000 and bond for each of the three Kahils at $100,000. All four were ordered to surrender their passports, remain in Michigan, wear GPS monitors and stay away from Ford facilities and other locations tied to the investigation. They were also barred from transferring assets or property. The reports did not explain why Faraj’s bond was set higher.

Earlier coverage described losses in the millions and a theft operation lasting about two years. Dearborn’s original announcement gave no dollar figure and described several months of investigation, without specifying how long the alleged thefts lasted. The charges now before the court concern more than $80,000 in parts over seven Saturdays at the Rouge Plant. Ford told WDIV it had looked into suspected thefts and unauthorized sales at two manufacturing facilities, but the reports did not establish whether any other conduct would lead to charges.

A probable cause conference is scheduled for Dec. 2. The question for readers: Does an alleged operation involving an inside supplier, a resale shop and seven Saturday nights warrant a charge that carries up to 20 years?