A network trafficking stolen vehicles dismantled in the Port of Alicante

The National Police stopped the illegal shipment of seven stolen vehicles from the Port of Alicante to Algeria. Four people were arrested for vehicle theft, misappropriation, and document falsification. The perpetrators were attempting to ship cars from France with altered identification details or manipulated provisional registration certificates. The vehicles were set to leave the Schengen area via ferry bound for Algeria.

Identified through routine and specialised inspections

The Illicit Vehicle Trafficking Group of the Alicante Provincial Judicial Police Brigade carried out the operation in May, focusing on random port checks. These operations take place on a regular basis throughout the year. Over the summer, they reinforced their efforts, enabling the detection of abnormalities before boarding.

One of the cars was taken in France earlier this year and then “spoofed.” In that instance, the VIN numbers and manufacturer’s labels were changed to make it more difficult to track. Officers determined that the engravings did not fit the brand’s requirements. This episode triggered a more thorough investigation and the subsequent identification of the vehicle’s unlawful provenance.

Forgery of temporary license plates to save taxes

The remaining six cars were similarly of French origin. However, in this case, the inconsistency was in the modification of the provisional registration certificates. The thieves manipulated these documents to hide their true ownership and avoid paying taxes. They also unlawfully extended their validity by changing the chassis number.

This strategy is typically used with rented or leased vehicles. They took advantage of the fact that the French system permits applicants to enter important information on the government’s website. Sometimes registered owners are unaware of this.

Four people were arrested, and vehicles were recovered

The police’ understanding of these methods allowed them to uncover six more vehicles that were going to be fraudulently exported. All of the cars have been taken into custody in Alicante and are awaiting their respective owners to recover them.

The operation resulted in four arrests, with each charged with a different felony depending on the situation. This measure strengthens the National Police’s responsibility in combating illicit vehicle trafficking and maintaining international port security.