Civil police officers from Deic (State Department of Criminal Investigations) located a property where vehicle license plates were being clandestinely manufactured in São Bernardo do Campo, in Greater São Paulo.
Investigations indicate that the fake plates were being used by criminal gangs specializing in robberies, theft and fraud, including one involving fake taxi drivers who swindle passengers.
The investigation began tracking the vehicle used by a suspect believed to be manufacturing the items. Officers noticed he would park his car on the street and access the basement of a property. On Tuesday (21), police saw the man step out of a Volkswagen Nivus carrying a bag and followed him to the residence.
Investigators entered the property and discovered the clandestine factory. On the premises were professional pneumatic machinery, as well as various equipment used for producing the plates. According to the investigation, more than one hundred plates had already been manufactured.
An unregistered pistol was also found during the search.
The case was recorded as tampering with vehicle identification markings in the course of commercial activity and possession of a restricted-use firearm.
