National Police agents dismantled an international organization dedicated to the trafficking of illegal vehicles and vehicles. A total of 19 people were arrested, 16 in Spain and 3 in France. In addition, 54 vehicles worth over 1.5 million euros, many devices and over 130 thousand euros in cash were seized in Spain, France, Germany, Italy and Austria.
As reported on Monday, the investigation began last January when the existence of a criminal organization engaged in the illegal acquisition of vehicles was revealed. ‘style of operation’ diversity this allowed them a wide range of actions.
The main activity of the organization was the signing of fake lease agreements. mid-high range vehicles and SUV aesthetics through hijacked identities of third parties. This organization also purchased companies in poor financial health at low cost and then used them to purchase multiple rental cars in a single operation. Thanks to this, the criminals managed to seize up to 17 vehicles.
However, investigators also identified a second branch of the organization that deals with the acquisition of vehicles through fraudulent financing. To achieve this, they opened accounts in different bank branches in the names of the victims by usurping the identities of third parties using fake identity documents and They used the documents to finance the vehicle purchase.
After the vehicles were taken, they were transported to France by the organization’s logistics network, where they were given false documents. Because they were registered, they had access to European and African markets.The port of Marseille was where cars were mostly loaded into containers destined for this second continent.
Arrests in many provinces
As the National Police explained, the organization was highly structured. At the highest level, with a high standard of living, there was a person in charge and his lieutenant. They hid the real source of their profits to make people believe that they come from the successful nightlife venues they run.
At the lower level, there were intermediate managers who were responsible for the work. various logistics activities such as purchasing a vehicle, obtaining personal and financial information from third parties, obtaining false documents, and storing and transporting vehicles. Finally, at the bottom of the organization were those who performed auxiliary duties such as collecting and transporting vehicles.
Thanks to international police cooperation in the operation, a total of 54 vehicles were seized in Spain, France, Italy, Germany and Austria, and 19 people have been arrested so far, 3 of them in France and the rest in Spain. (Madrid, Leon, Barcelona, Castellón and Badajoz) Entry and registration in our country and inspections in workshops and sales companies in France.
Additionally, electronic devices, documentation and More than 130,000 euros. One of those arrested had been a fugitive from justice since 2020 and had a total of 11 arrest warrants from different courts, eight of which included imprisonment. The investigation is still ongoing and the possibility of new arrests is not ruled out.