POLICE UNCOVER MASSIVE VEHICLE FRAUD

COLOMBO (News 1st): Sri Lanka Police have uncovered a large-scale vehicle fraud committed through the sale of vehicles obtained on rent by forging documents, police said. Mulleriyawa Police recovered 17 vehicles (16 cars and a van) in connection with the massive fraud committed by a gang of nine-members, Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana said on Tuesday (Jan. 12). According to DIG Ajith Rohana, two suspects in connection with the incident were arrested by Mulleriyawa Police, while a third suspect was arrested for the offence of forging documents including National Identity Cards, bills, and driving licenses. "The suspects hire a car from 'rent a car centre', by providing fake documents along with fake addresses and names. Thereby, they change the chassis number, engine number, and it is sold to a third party," DIG Ajith Rohana elaborated on the Modus Operandi of the gang involved in the vehicle fraud. The Deputy Police Chief further advised those in the vehicle industry including rental services, to be vigilant of such crimes; "If you're an owner of a vehicle, or if you're running a rental service, you should take all precautionary measures in order to prevent such incidents. Always verify the addresses, phone numbers, names, and the documents provided to you by the customer." The Mulleriyawa Police are conducting further investigations and the recovered vehicles are currently at the Mulleriyawa police premises. "If you are a victim of this type of crime, you can visit the Mulleriyawa Police and you can check whether your vehicle is available there," Police Spokesperson DIG Ajith Rohana further noted. According to the Deputy Police Chief, the arrested suspects are being interrogated to recover vehicles already sold to third parties.