Three people were arrested and cash, a firearm and a smoke grenade seized as part of an investigation into fraudulent car financing applications used to obtain luxury vehicles following warrants being executed in Sunshine West and Coburg North on Tuesday.
Police will allege those involved were submitting fraudulent applications to vehicle financing companies in order to obtain high end luxury vehicles.
False and fraudulent documents, including identity documents, bank statements, and Medicare and Australia Taxation Office documents were submitted during the application process.
A 54-year-old Sunshine West woman was interviewed in relation to the offences of obtaining property by deception. She is expected to be charged on summons.
A 37-year-old Coburg North man was charged with negligently dealing with proceeds of crime, dealing with property suspected to be proceeds of crime, possession of a handgun, possession of proceeds of crime, two counts of possession of a drug of dependence and failing to provide pass codes.
He is expected to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday.
A 26-year-old Coburg North woman was charged with obtaining financial advantage by deception, possession of a handgun, possession of proceeds of crime, two counts of possession of a drug of dependence and failing to provide pass codes.
She was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 16.
A firearm, various quantities of what appear to be cannabis and 1,4-Butanediol, at least $24,000 in cash, over nine mobile phones and devices to produce fraudulent related documentation were seized from the Coburg North address.
The Bomb Response Unit was also called to assist with the discovery of a smoke grenade inside the address, which they later destroyed.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.
