By Burnett Munthali
Lingadzi Police Station is currently holding in custody a 46-year-old man identified as Russell Golden for allegedly orchestrating a sophisticated scam involving the fraudulent acquisition of vehicles.
Golden is accused of tricking and defrauding six unsuspecting individuals by hiring their vehicles and later using them as collateral to obtain loans from various money lending institutions.
According to Lingadzi Police Public Relations Officer, Maria Kumwenda, law enforcement officers have also arrested Golden’s accomplice, a 24-year-old woman identified as Emily Lungu.
The pair reportedly operated a deceptive scheme in which they hired cars under self-drive arrangements for several days.
During the hire period, Golden and his proxy removed the tracking systems installed in the vehicles, effectively making it difficult for owners to trace their property.
They then forged critical motor vehicle documents, including blue books and insurance papers, to facilitate their scam.
These forged documents were fraudulently prepared in the name of Russell Golden or in the names of his proxies, namely Emily Lungu and another individual only identified as Ntombi.
Using these fraudulent documents, the suspects managed to present the vehicles as their own and successfully secured loans from lending agents and private financiers.
In every instance, when the legitimate owners contacted Golden to return their vehicles, he failed to cooperate and instead ignored their repeated calls.
Lingadzi Police launched an investigation into the matter following complaints from the vehicle owners, which led to a breakthrough in the case.
Detectives from the station managed to apprehend both Golden and Lungu at the City Centre in Lilongwe, where they were caught by surprise.
Police officials have since confirmed that all six vehicles fraudulently obtained through the elaborate scheme have been recovered.
Both suspects are expected to appear in court in the near future, where they will face serious charges including fraud, obtaining by false pretenses, and theft of motor vehicles.
Further investigations may also reveal additional victims or accomplices involved in the scam.
Russell Golden hails from Nzamani Village under Traditional Authority Chakhumbira in Ntcheu District.
His accomplice, Emily Lungu, comes from Daniel Village under Traditional Authority Machinjiri in Blantyre District.
The police have since warned vehicle owners and car hire service providers to be extra cautious when dealing with clients and to ensure proper tracking and verification mechanisms are in place.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the growing sophistication of criminal activities and the importance of vigilance in commercial transactions.
