Interstate vehicle lifters’ gang busted, 6 held

The Anti-Narcotics Squad (ANS) of the Delhi Police, East District, busted an interstate gang stealing luxury vehicles from the city and selling them with fake number plates far and wide.

The police arrested six persons and recovered high-end cars worth over Rs 1 crore from them, they said on Saturday.

The investigation began after the police received a tip-off about Kazim Husain, a repeat offender from Okhla, Delhi, indulging in stealing vehicles after completing previous jail terms.

Acting on the lead, the police trapped him near Hindon Canal Road when he attempted to flee in a stolen Hyundai Creta. During questioning, he failed to produce any documents. The police later confirmed that the vehicle was stolen from Preet Vihar.

During interrogation, Kazim revealed an elaborate network stretching from Delhi to Meerut, Aligarh, and even northeastern states. Using stolen vehicles, fake registration certificates and duplicate number plates, the gang moved cars across state lines, exploiting weak verification systems in smaller towns.

Following Kazim’s disclosures, two carriers —Khusnwaj from Ghaziabad and Taj Mohammad from Delhi — were arrested, while another member, Abuzar, was nabbed in Bihar after the police shared intelligence across state borders. Two receivers from Aligarh, who were awaiting resale of stolen vehicles, were also caught.

The police recovered stolen cars, including KIA Seltos and Hyundai Creta, master keys, fake plates and tools used to alter vehicle identities.

“The accused exploited the demand for luxury vehicles in small cities and remote areas, where verification of vehicle credentials is weak. By using master keys, fake number plates and dismantling parts, they ensured that the vehicles could not be easily traced back to Delhi. Their operation was well-organised and spread across multiple states,” a senior officer said.