A man was arrested following a morning raid on Tuesday as part of an ongoing investigation by the Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) Traffic Division.
He was charged with fraud and theft offences during a sitting of the Criminal Courts of Justice and has been remanded on continuing bail until his next appearance before the same court on 21 April.
The scam involves luxury cars from a wide range of manufactures, involves declaring a lower engine capacity to cut down on the motor tax rate paid.
Gardaí are warning people purchasing cars to ensure that the Vehicle Licensing Certificate reflects the correct engine size, adding that those who have taken advantage of the scheme should “immediately regularise the situation with their local tax office and insurance company” as their current insurance agreements will not be valid.
Motorists engaging in fraudulent activity are open to having their vehicle detained and being prosecuted in court.
“Investigations are ongoing, in each case it is suspected that a false declaration was made to the relevant Motor Taxation Office understating the size of the car engine,” said a Garda statement.
“Each of the cars will now be examined by the Public Service Vehicle Inspector. DMR Traffic will liaise closely with Department of Environment in terms of Motor Tax and Customs and Excise in regards to having the vehicle tested for illegal diesel.”
“DMR Traffic will also be liaising with the insurance companies involved as this scam raises issues in relation to the validity of insurance, safety of the vehicle due to possible modifications of the engine and lose of revenue to the state in terms of road tax.”
Article by independent.ie