The modern connected car is marketed as a technological marvel of convenience, offering features like remote climate control, live GPS tracking, and parental speed limiters. But when that digital access falls into the hands of a domestic abuser, a vehicle can quickly be transformed into a mobile prison.
A horrifying case out of Sydney, Australia, has exposed the severe dangers of app-connected vehicles after a 50-year-old businessman used a Tesla smartphone app to relentlessly stalk, harass, and endanger his ex-partner.
According to extensive police documents recently highlighted by The Guardian and Jalopnik, the victim, referred to in court documents as “Stacey,” purchased the Tesla while still in a relationship with Enrico Pucci. Taking advantage of her unfamiliarity with the technology, Pucci convinced her to register the vehicle in his name so he could use the Tesla app to “assist her”.
After Stacey ended the abusive four-year relationship in October 2025, Pucci weaponized that digital access. The digital harassment began when Stacey’s Tesla alarm blared on three separate occasions in the middle of the night. The next morning, she found the vehicle’s electronic dashboard completely reset, and a “parental control” profile added—locking her out of her car’s primary software.
Three days later, Pucci physically followed her in his own vehicle, screaming at her about a man she was dating. “You thought you’d get away with this. I am in your car. I am in your maps,” he yelled, according to police records.
A Remote-Controlled Nightmare
Because Pucci retained absolute administrative control over the Tesla app, he was able to launch a terrifying campaign of remote harassment.
According to court records, Pucci utilized the app to:
Limit vehicle speed: He activated “Valet Mode,” drastically reducing the car’s top speed to roughly 25 mph (40 km/h) while Stacey was driving on main roads, causing significant safety hazards in moving traffic.
Interrupt charging: Pucci remotely disconnected the car from its charging port at least seven times, attempting to leave her stranded without a charged battery.
Manipulate climate controls: He would remotely blast the cabin temperature between extremely hot and extremely cold settings while she was driving.
Enforce digital curfews: Utilizing the parental control features, Pucci set strict curfews determining when the vehicle could and could not be operated.
As police noted in the criminal proceedings, “The victim has not had any control of her vehicle since she noticed the parental control profile added on the 1st November 2025”.
Conviction and Current Updates
Pucci’s terrifying misuse of the Tesla app was just one facet of a deeply disturbing pattern of behavior. In early September 2026, Pucci pleaded guilty and was convicted of 30 domestic violence-related charges. These included eight counts of stalking or intimidation, two counts of choking, common assault, and using a carriage service to harass his victim.
A judge in the Parramatta Local Court sentenced Pucci to two years and three months in prison, with a non-parole period of 15 months. However, the legal battle is not entirely over. Pucci is currently appealing his sentence and is scheduled to face the court again in late October 2026.
The chilling case highlights a massive vulnerability in the modern automotive industry. While manufacturers like Tesla build vehicles packed with remote access features intended for convenience and safety, there are currently very few safeguards to protect drivers when those same features are weaponized by an abuser holding the digital keys.