Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit detectives have today charged a teenager and five men after executing warrants at properties in Tarneit, Truganina and Hoppers Crossing as part of an alleged car scam investigation.
The warrants were executed at five houses at 7.30am this morning with police also seizing a number of items including documents and electronic devices.
Police will allege they were all involved in a scam, which has allegedly been taking place over three months in various suburbs across metropolitan Melbourne.
It is believed the scam involved victims who were selling second-hand cars on platforms including Gumtree and Facebook Marketplace.
Those charged are:
• An 18-year-old Tarneit man charged with 33 counts of theft of motor car, obtain property by deception and dealing in the proceeds of crime. He has been remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Saturday 22 August.
• A 20-year-old Tarneit man charged with seven counts of theft of motor car, obtain property by deception and dealing in the proceed of crime. He has been remanded to the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Saturday 22 August.
• A 21-year-old Truganina man charged with 34 counts of theft of motor car, obtain property by deception and remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Saturday 22 August.
• A 17-year-old boy charged with theft of motor car, obtain property by deception and commit indictable offence while on bail. He has been bailed to appear at a children's court at a later date.
• Two 20-year-old Tarneit men, both charged with theft of motor vehicle and bailed to appear at the Werribee Magistrates' Court on 24 November.
