Two Arrested for Possessing Stolen Luxury Vehicles
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has arrested two individuals for possessing stolen luxury vehicles that had their Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) altered. The arrests highlight a growing problem in the region involving high-end stolen cars with cloned VINs.
In the first incident, Aditya Chandiramani was arrested two weeks ago for possessing a stolen Mercedes-Benz G-63 with a cloned VIN. The vehicle was parked in the parking deck of his apartment complex in the university area. Residents noticed the luxury car as it stood out from the other vehicles in the area. According to police, the Mercedes-Benz was originally stolen from Boca Raton, Florida.
In a separate incident, 38-year-old Tahiim Douglas was arrested on Thursday night for driving a $250,000 Lamborghini Urus with a cloned VIN. The vehicle was stolen, and neighbors in the Arboretum neighborhood noticed the car as it was unusual for the area. One resident mentioned that they believed the Lamborghini was from Montana or another northwest state based on its license plate.
VIN cloning has become a significant issue as it allows thieves to conceal the true identity of stolen vehicles, potentially leaving unsuspecting buyers with fraudulent purchases. The FBI advises consumers to be cautious when purchasing vehicles at significantly lower prices than market value. Additionally, buyers should inspect the VIN for signs of tampering, such as scratches, and use online resources like the National Insurance Crime Bureau and the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System to verify the vehicle’s legitimacy.
To protect yourself from purchasing a stolen vehicle with a cloned VIN, be wary of deals that seem too good to be true and check for any signs of VIN tampering. Utilizing reputable online databases can also help verify the authenticity of a vehicle’s identification number.
