'Change' gang dismantled in Ankara!

Five suspects have been detained in an operation in Ankara targeting a network that performed "change" operations by replacing the chassis numbers of rented automobiles with those of identical models that were seized, subject to seizure, stolen, smuggled, or damaged in the earthquake zone.

Teams from the Ankara Police Department's Public Security Branch Auto Theft Bureau identified the network, which was performing "change" operations by replacing the chassis numbers of vehicles unfit for traffic with those of identical models they had rented. Following technical and physical surveillance, the teams took action and detained 5 suspects during an operation conducted on 5 different auto spare parts shops.

THEY REPLACED THEM WITH VEHICLES UNFIT FOR TRAFFIC

It was learned that the suspects replaced the chassis numbers of the automobiles they rented with those of identical models that were seized, subject to seizure, stolen, smuggled, or damaged in the earthquake zone.

THEY REMOVED TRACKING DEVICES TO COVER THE VEHICLES' TRACKS

It was reported that the suspects removed the GPS tracking devices from the vehicles they had rented through different individuals in order to cover their tracks. It was stated that the network had most recently rented 3 automobiles from Kayseri to perform "change" operations but were caught before they could achieve their goal.

NUMEROUS VEHICLES SEIZED

In the inquiries made regarding the engines and transmissions seized during the operations at the addresses, parts and vehicles that were unidentifiable, had erased chassis numbers, were subject to seizure, or were of foreign origin were confiscated. The list of seized items is as follows:

47 engines, 7 transmissions, and a total of 8 automobiles, including 2 subject to seizure, 2 with erased chassis numbers, one brought into Turkey through illegal means, and 3 stolen.

It was stated that the vehicles and parts taken into custody will be examined in a laboratory by special experts.