A joint investigation conducted by the Queensland Police Service and Transport and Main Roads has culminated in the arrest of two people on a total of 45 charges relating to the fraudulent obtaining of motorcycle licences, Queensland Police say.
Two men aged 63 and 24 from Beenleigh were arrested yesterday afternoon. It is alleged that both men were Q Ride accredited trainers connected to a motorcycle training business that operates in the Beenleigh area.
It is alleged during 2016 the two men falsely signed and issued competency declaration documents without requiring the applicant rider to complete the proper training and assessment process. It is further alleged on each occasion, the applicant rider paid cash to the trainer and then received their completed competency declaration.
The completed document is required to be lodged with the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads in order for a learner rider to obtain a motorcycle qualification on their driver’s licence.
Yesterday’s arrests are in addition to the previous arrests made during the course of the investigation regarding 13 licensees linked to the fraudulently issued documents. Each of those people were charged with one count of fraud in relation to allegedly fraudulently obtaining their competency documents.
"During the course of this investigation we have been working closely with the Department of Transport and Main Roads," South Eastern Region Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd said.
"These allegations are serious and carry the potential to result in serious injury or death. The fraudulent issuing of motorcycle competency documents risks not only the rider, but all other road users and it is very concerning.
"This investigation outcome shows that if you try to corrupt the system you will be caught," Assistant Commissioner Codd said.
Transport and Main Roads Acting Director-General Mike Stapleton said the safety of road users was the department’s top priority.
"The overwhelming majority of the state’s motorcycle licence holders have done the right thing in obtaining their right to ride on our roads, and fraudulent incidents such as this have the potential to put others in danger," Mr Stapleton said.
"We are working with QPS to ensure safety remains paramount and will continue to respond to any investigation outcomes."
Five of the people originally charged have since appeared in court and pleaded guilty to their individual fraud charges.
"We will be continuing investigations into people suspected of having fraudulently obtained their motorcycle licence. Any person who has information about the fraudulent obtaining of motorcycle licence accreditation is asked to make contact with Crime Stoppers," Assistant Commissioner Codd said.
The two men were bailed to appear in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on November 18.
Anyone with information which could assist with this matter should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously.
