Two suspects were detained in Obninsk, Kaluga region, on suspicion of fraud tied to car sales, according to MVD Media with information from Irina Volk, the official representative of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. The authorities reported that the arrest followed work by the Main Directorate of Criminal Investigation of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia in collaboration with officers from Kaluga Region. They dismantled a criminal group believed to be orchestrating illicit car trades.
The investigation indicates that the defendants operated a scheme to sell stolen vehicles across various regions of Russia. They purchased sets of counterfeit documents that replicated the data of premium, legally registered cars, enabling the presentation of so-called double cars in advertisements and sales listings. This practice allowed them to pass off stolen vehicles as legitimate, price-competitive options for buyers without raising immediate suspicion.
During live interviews with investigators, one defendant allegedly entered into a contract for the sale of a vehicle using a passport under a false name. Purchasers paid the agreed sum in cash and assumed they were acquiring legitimate cars. In reality, the buyers were unaware that the vehicles they purchased originated from criminal activity.
Authorities have documented three separate episodes of the sale of these twin vehicles, with total property damage estimated at 11.5 million rubles. In addition, two more stolen cars were located by police in a multi-storey car park in Obninsk, prepared for sale. The suspects are facing judicial proceedings as the case develops.
Earlier reports noted a broader trend in Russia where the prices of certain car parts have shown a marked increase, affecting the overall cost structure of vehicle ownership and maintenance. These developments underscore the complexities involved in verifying vehicle provenance and the challenging landscape of automotive fraud in the region. Media.