Authorities have reiterated warnings to travellers about the risks of carrying items on behalf of others, noting those caught importing illicit drugs into Australia face serious criminal penalties.
Victoria Police allege the syndicate, which began operating in Victoria before relocating to Queensland in October last year, stole more than 150 vehicles worth over $20 million before moving north.
Overall offending is rising, youth offenders remain heavily over-represented in serious street crimes, and car theft has reached its highest level in more than two decades.
The fraud involved overseas scammers contacting elderly victims by phone and email, falsely claiming their bank accounts were compromised and instructing them to buy gold to protect their savings.
The donation-backed consignment highlights both the depth of people-to-people ties with Iran and the practical role Indian civil society can play during a regional emergency.
During the bail hearing, police argued Abbas posed a risk to the community and raised concerns about the possibility of her spreading extremist ideology if released.