Calgary, AB,
03
June
2014
|
11:31
America/Denver

Charges Relating to Cloning of Flood-damaged Vehicle

The Calgary Police Service Auto Theft Unit has charged a man in relation to vehicle cloning.

In May 2014, an off-duty member of the CPS Auto Theft Unit with an interest in mechanics and collector cars was at a local vehicle auction when he saw a 1962 Chevrolet Impala convertible that he recognized.

He believed the vehicle had been written off as non-repairable by its previous owner after being damaged by the High River flood in June 2013.

Based on the damage to the vehicle, it could not legally be repaired or registered.

It is alleged that the car had then been purchased from a salvage company and the vehicle identification number (VIN) changed using the VIN from a similar car, to hide the true identity and damage history. It is also alleged that a false bill of sale and out of province inspection certificate had been produced and used to register the car in Alberta.

Following an investigation, Youssef YANGUI, 63, of Calgary, was charged with one count each of uttering a forged document, tampering with a vehicle identification number and fraudulent concealment.

Flood damaged vehicles are extremely unsafe and cannot be repaired.

Water damages a vehicle’s electrical components including its airbags, antilock brake system, stability control, heating and cooling systems and even its braking, acceleration and steering.

The Service encourages consumers to take the following steps prior to purchasing a motor vehicle:

  • Ask for and take note of government issued identification from the seller.
  • Do a Carproof or Carfax check on the vehicle. If the vehicle is showing as being registered in another province or country – ask more questions. If the vehicle is showing salvage or junk title – ask more questions.
  • Look at the public VIN (lower left dashboard) and compare how the VIN looks to another similar vehicle.
  • Compare the public VIN to the federal certification label on the driver’s door frame. The VIN should be the same. The decal should not show any signs of peeling.
  • Take the vehicle to a car dealership and have them conduct checks.
  • Check the VIN on www.cpic-cipc.ca to see if the vehicle is listed as stolen.

Information on a media availability will be sent in a separate advisory.