Crime Branch Unit 01 Cracks Down on National Vehicle Theft Syndicate
In a significant breakthrough, Crime Branch Unit 01, attached to the Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar Police Commissionerate, has apprehended four individuals involved in a sophisticated vehicle theft syndicate operating at a national level.
The accused has been identified as 1) Azhar Akbar Sheikh (35), Business - Garage, Native Res. Dharkhed, District Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, 2) Sameer Nasir Khan (41), Res. Khandala, Vaijapur, Dist. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, 3) Mohammad Shakeel Mohammad Shaukat Shah (48) Business - Car Buying and Selling Res. Valgaon Road, Amravati and 4) Sheikh Naseer Shahjadamion (43), Occupation - Driver/ Vehicle Buying and Selling, Res. Nanded.
The accused were arrested and presented before the hon'ble court following which the court remanded the accused in police custody for further investigation.
During the investigation, it was revealed that the modus operandi of the syndicate involved the fabrication of counterfeit documents to facilitate the illicit sale of the stolen vehicles. The accused first registered the vehicles in various RTO offices in Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and other states on the basis of false documents and obtained the registration number and other documents. On the basis of those documents, online NOC was obtained from the concerned RTO office stating that the said vehicles are to be re-registered in the state of Maharashtra.
Vehicles were then stolen from different states with the same make and model listed on the documents. After erasing the engine number, chassis number and other identification numbers of the stolen vehicles, they printed fake engine number, chassis number on them and re-registered them in RTO of Maharashtra and sold them to other people.
During the course of a meticulous investigation, the Crime Branch Officials succeeded in locating and seizing a total of 47 vehicles stolen by the accused. Among these vehicles, 16 were confirmed to have been reported stolen, with a combined estimated value of ₹7,32,41,000.
47 stolen vehicles includes 14 Tata Truck, 10 Haiwa Tipper Truck, 08 Eicher Tempo, 09 Ashok Leyland Truck/Tempo, 01 Maruti Suzuki Ertiga, 01 Maruti Suzuki Wagon R, Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire 1, 01 Toyota Innova, 01 Force Cruiser and 01 Mahindra Jito.
The successful operation highlights the dedication and efficiency of the Crime Branch Unit 01 in combating organized crime and protecting the interests of businesses and individuals across the nation. Authorities have emphasized their commitment to thoroughly prosecute those involved and to further strengthen efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating within the region.
The apprehension of these individuals marks a significant victory for law enforcement agencies in their ongoing battle against vehicle theft and related crimes. Investigations into the full extent of the syndicate's activities remain ongoing, with additional arrests and charges anticipated in the near future.
Commissioner of Police Shri Madhukar Pandey, Mira Bhayandar Vasai Virar Police Commissionerate, commended the efforts of the Crime Branch Unit 01 and expressed gratitude for their unwavering dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring public safety.
The public is urged to remain vgilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities, as collaborative efforts are crucial in combatting crime and maintaining the security of our communities.
