BMW owner accused of under-declaring engine size to pay less tax
Gardaí have seized 18 BMW cars as part of an ongoing investigation into under-declaring of engine capacity to pay a lower motor tax rate.
A man was arrested and charged with fraud and theft offences and appeared on March 10 at The Criminal Courts of Justice and is remanded on continuing bail to appear on April 21 at the same court.
The Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) Traffic Division have carried out an investigation for the last number of weeks which culminated in the seizure of a total of 18 cars between last Saturday and yesterday.
While this initial stage of the operation involved 18 BMW cars, the scam involves luxury cars from a wide range of manufactures.
Gardaí said that "those involved to immediately regularise the situation with their local tax office, insurance company and An Garda Síochána”, as current insurance agreements may not be valid.
An Garda Síochána also warned people purchasing cars to ensure that the Vehicle Licensing Certificate reflects the correct engine size.
Motorists engaging in fraudulent activity are open to having their vehicle detained and being prosecuted in court, gardaí warned.
“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.”
