Lagos Police Uncover Criminal Syndicate Involved in Vehicle Purchase Fraud Scheme
Detectives attached to the Lagos State Police Command have uncovered a criminal syndicate involved in a new vehicle purchase fraud scheme, targeting unsuspecting dealerships.
This follows investigations into three separate cases of conspiracy, obtaining goods under false pretence, fraudulent conversion, stealing and issuance of dud cheques.
The Commissioner of Police, FATAI TIJANI, said detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, first investigated one MURITALA for allegedly obtaining vehicles under false representation.
CP TIJANI said during interrogation, MURITALA confessed to the crime and mentioned one FATAI BALOGUN, a.k.a ELEKU as his accomplice. “Further investigation revealed that FATAI BALOGUN was already under investigation by the SCID in connection with a similar offence. He admitted participating in the fraudulent transactions and disclosed that the vehicles were subsequently handed over to one Otunba Olamilekan Ismail, who is currently at large.
The Lagos State CP said investigations further linked FATAI to twelve exotic vehicles fraudulently obtained from different dealers, which were recovered through intelligence-led operations and the AUTOREG vehicle tracking platform.
He said the second case was reported by three different complainants against FATAI BALOGUN, ISMAIL OLAMILEKAN and others for conspiracy, fraudulent conversion, issuance of dud cheques and stealing.
CP FATAI TIJANI said investigations revealed that the suspects fraudulently obtained seven vehicles valued at approximately N700,000.00 (Seven Hundred Million Naira) after falsely claiming that the vehicles were being supplied to prominent politicians in Abuja. He said, “payment was made using post-dated cheques, all of which were dishonoured upon presentation at the bank.”
CP TIJANI further disclosed that the third case, also involving FATAI BALOGUN, alongside BASHIRU BABATUNDE and others, concerned the fraudulent acquisition of ten Toyota Hiace buses (2016 Model) valued at N320,000.00 (Three Hundred and Twenty Million Naira). He said “the suspects falsely claimed they were acting on behalf of one Alhaji ISMAILA and another person identified simply as SEGUN, both of whom are currently at large. A post-dated cheque issued in payment was dishonoured due to insufficient funds.”
The Lagos State Commissioner of Police said following sustained investigative efforts, detectives recovered eight of the buses, although in damaged condition.
He said the suspects admitted participating in the fraud and disclosed that the vehicles were procured on the instructions of Alhaji ISMAILA for purported political campaign activities.
He said the investigation has so far led to the successful recovery of the following:
• Toyota Highlander (2017 Model)
• Toyota RAV4 (2010 Model)
• Toyota Highlander (2007 Model)
• 2 Toyota Hiace Buses (2016 Model)
• Toyota Hiace Bus (2020 Model)
• Ford Edge SUV (2018 Model)
CP FATAI TIJANI assured that the Lagos State Police Command remained resolute in dismantling organized criminal syndicates operating within and beyond the state.
CP TIJANI assured members of the public, particularly vehicle dealers and business owners, that every legitimate complaint would be thoroughly investigated, and all those involved in criminal activities would be brought to justice.
He also advised vehicle dealers to exercise due diligence before releasing their vehicles to prospective clients, especially where payment is made through post-dated cheques or transactions involving unfamiliar intermediaries.