Ankara, June 6 – Four suspects have been apprehended in Ankara in an operation targeting a ‘change car’ ring. The group was allegedly involved in altering engine, transmission, and chassis numbers of impounded, stolen, and illegal vehicles using parts from earthquake-damaged cars and then selling them on the market.
Details of the Operation
The operation, coordinated by the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office and carried out by the Provincial Police Department’s Public Order Branch teams, uncovered a scheme where impounded, stolen, and illegal vehicles were ‘changed’ with parts from earthquake-damaged vehicles. The investigation focused on two auto spare parts businesses located in an industrial site.
During searches at these businesses, authorities seized 13 engines and 4 transmissions that had unreadable identification numbers, erased chassis numbers, or were otherwise illicit. These parts are now undergoing examination at a criminal laboratory to determine their origin and confirm the extent of the alterations.
Suspects and Seized Materials
The four suspects were taken into custody following the raid. The seized engines and transmissions are crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation into the illegal vehicle alteration activities. The ‘change car’ method involves replacing the identifying components of a vehicle with those from another, often legally registered but damaged, vehicle to obscure its true identity and history.
This type of operation is often used to launder stolen vehicles or to sell vehicles that are legally problematic due to impoundment or other issues. By using parts from earthquake-damaged vehicles, the perpetrators likely aimed to exploit the chaos and increased availability of such parts after natural disasters.
Investigation Continues
The Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office is leading the investigation, and further details are expected to emerge as the criminal laboratory examination progresses. The authorities are working to determine the full scope of the ring’s activities, including how many vehicles were altered and sold, and whether there are additional individuals involved in the scheme.
This operation highlights the ongoing efforts of Turkish law enforcement to combat organized crime and protect consumers from fraudulent practices in the automotive market. The use of earthquake-damaged vehicles in such schemes adds a layer of complexity and underscores the opportunistic nature of these criminal enterprises.
Source: https://www.cumhuriyet.com.tr/turkiye/ankara-da-change-arac-operasyonu-4-gozalti-2509836
