AS HE PULLED up in his silver C220 AMG Mercedes at Manchester Airport, a holidaymaker handed over his keys to a valet so it could be kept safe while he was away.
But unknowingly he had been duped by criminals operating an international scam in stolen highend vehicles. And now they had their hands on his £50,000 pride and joy.
The gang had created false documents to give the impression they were representatives of a legitimate controlled parking company. When the owner returned from his trip he contacted the real company and discovered he had been deceived.
Another car was stolen off a drive by the gang whilst the owner was on holiday.
On one occasion, they walked into a house whilst the owners were in the garden and stole the keys.
In a separate incident a man was threatened to stay inside his house in Failsworth with his three-year-old daughter whilst they stole his car, or he would be killed.
Cruising around a smart estate, one of the gang commented 'Fresh' as they drove by a pristine white Range Rover Sport.
Soon after the vehicle was in the back of a shipping container as another asset in a lucrative criminal enterprise. The clip from a phone recovered by police who smashed a group behind a prolific spree of thefts.
The vehicle was one of scores stolen by an Oldham-based firm who called themselves 'The Company' and hit on a way of making millions from stealing high-end cars to order and sending them abroad. Others were stripped in one of seven chop shops across Greater Manchester and the parts sold.
Even when police started making arrests they continued to steal vehicles and just opened new chop shops if others were raided and closed.
Their arrogance was reflected in incriminating messages from their group chat they called 'The Company. One said 'five-o busted the yard again' in relation to a police raid in Wigan in October 2019, and then joked they should start packing their jail kit.
Denne historien er fra October 27, 2024-utgaven av MEN on Sunday.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra October 27, 2024-utgaven av MEN on Sunday.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
We are fragile but we cannot overreact-Pep
PEP Guardiola says that City cannot afford to overreact to their worst ever run under his management as they look to stay in touch with Premier League leaders Liverpool.
IT’S TOO EASY TO SCORE AGAINST US’
PEP Guardiola says City have multiple problems as opponents find it too easy to score against them.
Spurs man on the hole’ in City middle
JAMES Maddison has explained that he was able to exploit the lack of presence in City's midfield to score a goal that he has been working on all season.
Rubet! Amorim up for United challenge
RUBEN Amorim is relishing the 'huge responsibility' of taking United back to the top as the new head coach prepares to take charge for the first time at Ipswich.
'Ruthless' Ruben won't be all smiles as he gears up for first game at helm
\"I CAN be ruthless when I have to be,\" said Ruben Amorim on Friday afternoon.
Teenage star Chido on target once again
CHIDO Obi-Martin was again among the goals as United's Under-18s continued their stunning form and a new star emerged.
Tourist traps top visitor spend table
SEPARATED by the Pennines and nearly 100 miles, the historic city of York and the seaside resort of Blackpool are worlds apart in their appeal to tourists.
Wind farm expansion plan set to create new turbulence
Proposals would create biggest turbine development in England
Rail services may take 'three years to improve'
THE largest rail company in the North of England has warned that it will take up to three years before its services are up to scratch.
Thug forced kids to help in drug deals
A MAN who used 'vulnerable' children to help him deal drugs has been jailed.
