How a Mumbai Gang Used High Credit Score GST Numbers to Steal Luxury Cars Like BMWs
How a Mumbai Gang Used High Credit Score GST Numbers to Steal Luxury Cars Like BMWs
Mumbai – The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has arrested seven individuals and seized 16 luxury cars worth ₹7.3 crore in connection with a high-end vehicle scam. The accused allegedly exploited GST numbers of individuals with strong credit scores to fraudulently obtain premium cars such as BMWs and Fortuners.
According to Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Datta Nalawade, the suspects, who reside in and around Mumbai, scoured online sources to find GST numbers linked to people with high CIBIL scores. “They would then obtain these individuals’ PAN details and create fake PAN and Aadhaar cards using images of gang members,” he said.
To facilitate bank verifications, the accused even rented a room, ensuring a smooth loan approval process. Leveraging the good credit scores, they secured loans to acquire high-end cars. Once obtained, the vehicles’ engine and chassis numbers were altered, and duplicate registration certificates were forged before selling them in neighboring states.
Investigations suggest that the gang has stolen over 35 cars using this method over the past three years. Among the seven arrested, four have prior criminal records, according to DCP Nalawade. The scam was uncovered during an inquiry into the theft of a Mahindra Thar worth ₹16 lakh from Vikhroli in 2023.
The police are continuing their investigation to trace other possible vehicles and individuals involved in the racket.
