Thane: Interstate Car Theft Gang Busted: Six Arrested in High-End Car Theft Operation
Thane, 31st December 2023: The Central Crime Branch unit associated with the Mira Bhayander-Vasai Virar (MBVV) police has successfully dismantled an interstate gang engaged in the theft and sale of high-end cars. The operation, prompted by a complaint from a Mumbai-based hotelier who fell victim to a car scam, resulted in the arrest of six individuals. The gang employed sophisticated methods, including software-based hacking devices, to steal and alter luxury vehicles before selling them in different states.
The police seized a total of eight stolen cars, including three Innova Crysta, one Hyundai Creta, and four Toyota Fortuners, with a combined estimated value exceeding Rs. 2.42 crore. The investigation uncovered that the gang utilized hacking tools to access on-board diagnostic systems, enabling them to generate electronic keys for stealing high-end vehicles. Subsequently, the stolen cars underwent alterations, with changes made to the engine and chassis numbers. The vehicles were then sold in various states using forged documents to conceal their illicit origins.
The arrested individuals, primarily involved in the used car dealership, are facing multiple charges under sections of the Indian Penal Code. These charges include cheating, forgery, using forged documents, dishonestly receiving stolen property, and criminal conspiracy. The police are continuing their investigations, exploring the possibility of more arrests related to the actual theft of the cars. The successful crackdown on this sophisticated car theft operation highlights the law enforcement’s commitment to combating organized crime networks engaged in illegal activities across state borders.
