An operation setup by the An Garda Siochana's Dublin Metropolitan Region (DMR) Traffic Division has so far seized 18 cars for under-declaring the size of the engine in order to pay lower rates of motor tax. The cars, all of which were BMWs, were seized over the period between March 7 and 10 of this year, and thus far one person has been arrested and charged with fraud and theft offences and is due to appear before the courts on April 21.
Although all cars seized as part of the tax scam were BMWs, Gardai have stressed that the ongoing operation involves luxury cars from a wide range of manufacturers. All cars are currently being examined by the Public Service Vehicle (PSV) Inspector and will be tested to look for the possible presence of illegal diesel.
The DMR Traffic Division has said that it will be liaising with the insurance companies involved as false declaration raises an issue with regard to the validity of the insurance.
Anything else?
Gardai are appealing to anyone else that may be involved in such activities to "immediately regularise the situation with their local tax office, insurance company and An Garda Siochana," and are advising people purchasing cars to ensure that the Vehicle Licensing Certificate that accompanies the vehicle correctly reflects the true engine size.