A large-scale police operation coordinated by Europol has hit an international crime ring that was making millions selling dangerous scrap cars from the US in Europe.
A major police operation coordinated by Europol has led to the seizure of 116 cars. The operation targeted a criminal network suspected of selling dangerous scrap cars in several EU countries.
The cars originally came from the United States, where they have been involved in such serious accidents that they all had to be scrapped.
But instead, the criminals in the unraveled network managed to buy the cars extremely cheaply. They typically bought them from American insurance companies. The cars were then shipped to Europe.
The arrival often took place via ports in Belgium and Germany. From here the cars were transported on to Lithuania, where workshops affiliated with the network awaited.
At those garages, mechanics were paid to repair the cars. Or at least to repair the surface. However, the repairs were often inadequate and at best very superficial. The aim was to make the cars look ready for sale as quickly as possible.
After the questionable repairs, the cars were put up for sale. The sale took place through car dealers in several EU countries. The car dealers are believed to have been part of the network.
The "Nimmersmatt" raid hit a criminal network
The cars pose a significant safety risk to buyers. Although they may look nice at first glance, they hide serious defects. These defects make the cars dangerous to drive.
Common problems include missing or damaged airbags. Also, important structural parts such as the bodywork may be damaged. According to Europol, the cars are in such poor condition that they will not be able to protect anyone in the event of another accident.
Despite the dangerous defects, the cars have been approved for road use. This has been done illegally within the EU. Germany is mentioned as one of the countries hardest hit by the sales and fraud.
Europol's coordinated operation was codenamed "Nimmersmatt". The raid was carried out simultaneously in ten different EU countries. The countries involved were Bulgaria, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania and Spain.
The operation was the culmination of a long-term investigation. Police from a total of 16 EU countries participated in the overall effort against the network. The targets of the operation were both the ringleaders and accomplices.
– The individuals targeted in this operation were the criminal organization's senior members from Russia and Lithuania, as well as suspected individuals responsible for the import and transportation of the vehicles and dozens of car dealers, the press release states.
Europol continues investigation into the scrap league
In addition to the sale of dangerous cars, the network is suspected of economic crime. This includes money laundering. Possibly based in Lithuania.
It is estimated that the network has evaded VAT and customs duties for at least 195 million kroner. An order has also been issued to freeze additional assets of several of the now arrested individuals. This concerns up to 182 million kroner.
So far, the operation has resulted in the freezing of bank accounts. The 116 cars have been seized with an estimated value of approximately 17 million kroner. In addition, cash and goods worth approximately 3.7 million kroner have been seized.
Europol says the investigation is extremely extensive. It will take a long time to uncover all the details of the case. Large police resources have been deployed in the effort.
It remains uncertain how many of the dangerously repaired cars are on Europe's roads. The cars could potentially have been sold to buyers in all EU countries.
Boosted is trying to determine whether some of the many cars that the perpetrators brought to Europe may have ended up in Denmark.
