The Delhi Police has achieved a significant breakthrough by dismantling a sophisticated interstate vehicle theft and fraud syndicate, resulting in the arrest of three key individuals and the recovery of 11 stolen vehicles from various locations across the country. This operation highlights the growing challenge of organised crime networks targeting high-value vehicles and exploiting regulatory loopholes.
Unraveling the Syndicate's Operations
The investigation was initiated following the theft of a Maruti S-Presso reported from Jamia Nagar on the intervening night of December 27 and 28, 2025. Suspecting the involvement of an organised criminal gang, the police promptly transferred the case to the specialised Anti-Auto Theft Squad for a thorough probe. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the police first apprehended Kunal Subhash Jaiswal, a 23-year-old resident of Bandra in Mumbai, and recovered a stolen Hyundai Creta from his possession.
Arrests and Recoveries Across States
Subsequent coordinated raids in Mumbai led to the arrest of Mohammad Amaan, aged 25, who was allegedly operating a second-hand car business as a front for the syndicate. Another stolen Hyundai Creta was seized during this operation. Investigators revealed that these individuals were integral members of a well-organised interstate network involved in a multi-step criminal process.
The syndicate's modus operandi involved stealing vehicles primarily from Delhi, systematically tampering with their chassis numbers to obscure their origins. They then misused details of total-loss vehicles and obtained fraudulent registrations using forged sale letters and fake no-objection certificates from banks. These illicitly registered vehicles were subsequently sold to unsuspecting buyers in Maharashtra and other states, exploiting the demand for affordable used cars.
Mastermind Apprehended in Uttar Pradesh
Following further investigative leads, the police identified and arrested Kashif from Bulandshahr, who is alleged to be the main vehicle lifter for the syndicate. He was apprehended in Uttar Pradesh on January 20, and a stolen Maruti WagonR was recovered from his possession. This arrest was crucial in understanding the full scope of the syndicate's operations.
Comprehensive Vehicle Recovery
The Delhi Police has successfully recovered a total of 11 stolen vehicles through this operation. The recovered vehicles include three Toyota Fortuners, four Hyundai Cretas, two Maruti Brezzas, one Maruti S-Presso, and one Maruti WagonR. This diverse range of vehicles underscores the syndicate's targeting of popular and high-demand models in the Indian automotive market.
Investigations are currently ongoing to identify and locate other gang members involved in this extensive network, as well as to trace additional stolen vehicles that may have been sold through similar fraudulent means. The police have emphasised that this crackdown is part of a broader effort to combat organised vehicle theft rings operating across state borders.
This case serves as a stark reminder for potential used car buyers to exercise due diligence and verify vehicle documentation thoroughly before making purchases, especially when deals appear too good to be true. The Delhi Police continues to work closely with law enforcement agencies in other states to dismantle such criminal networks and protect citizens from financial fraud.
