A 65-year-old Manly West man has been charged with 81 offences following a protracted caravan rebirthing investigation conducted by members of the State Crime Command’s Drug and Serious Crime Group, Queensland Police say.
The investigation relates to a number of caravans bought from various auctions, predominately in New South Wales, and transported to Queensland. Detectives will allege these caravans had been statutorily written off for various reasons including hail, flood and impact damage prior to purchase which had subsequently rendered them unable to be registered in Australia.
Investigators will allege that once the caravans were brought to Queensland, the original identifying numbers were removed and new identification numbers placed on the vans. They were then advertised through online sale sites and purchased by unsuspecting members of the community. Investigators will allege the man facilitated registration of the caravans in Queensland prior to purchase.
"This investigation highlights the QPS response to a crime that is not only costly to the community, but one that involves a high degree of risk. Not only are a large number of people substantially out of pocket through the purchase of these caravans, but there was a significant risk with these caravans being registered without the usual testing processes and driven on Queensland roads, despite being previously written off."
"Consumers in possession of the caravans have been advised they can make a claim for financial compensation from the Office of Fair Trading’s claim fund, which exists to compensate the victims of certain illegal acts committed by motor dealers." Detective Inspector Lance Vercoe of the Drug and Serious Crime Group said.
The man will appear in Brisbane Magistrates Court on August 22.
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