Marijampole man accused of taking two cars in transport scam

A 32-year-old man from Marijampole has been charged with fraudulently taking two cars brought from Germany, with a combined value of more than 17,000 euros, the Prosecutor General’s Office said on Tuesday, according to LRT.

The case has been referred to Marijampole District Court. Investigators say the man contacted people through Telegram who were looking for someone to transport cars from Germany.

In the first case, the accused allegedly used another name and posed as a carrier who could bring a car worth more than 8,000 euros to Lithuania. He then posted an online advert seeking a carrier for 600 euros. In July 2025, a driver who did not suspect the deception delivered a Volkswagen Golf Sportsvan to him in Kalvarija Municipality. The accused allegedly took the car to Poland that same day.

In the second case, investigators say the man responded to an advert from a small partnership seeking transport for an Audi Q5 from Germany. After presenting himself as a carrier and receiving documents confirming the purchase, he allegedly posted another advert seeking a driver for 550 euros. The car was brought to Lithuania, fitted with Polish registration plates and taken to Marijampole. It was valued at 9,343 euros.

Two civil claims have been filed in the case, seeking a total of more than 17,000 euros.

Prosecutor Vytautas Nacikūnas, who supervised the investigation, urged people to agree to services in writing and sign contracts in person after checking identification, or use an electronic signature.

Fraud carries penalties including community service, a fine, restriction of liberty, arrest or imprisonment for up to three years.