Towing company operators arrested in major case of fraud
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MESA, Ariz. -
Search warrants have been served by Mesa police and five people have been arrested as part of a two-year investigation into the practices of a towing business.
Police accuse the operators of SWAT Towing/Auto City Towing of illegally towing vehicles and in some cases, fraudulently acquiring titles for the cars and trucks and selling them at a used car lot in Chandler.
Four men and one woman were arrested Wednesday. They face auto theft, trafficking in stolen property and other fraud-related charges.
The investigation began in September 2010 after authorities received numerous complaints about the business. Police say undercover operations confirmed that criminal activity was taking place.
Authorities have contacted dozens of victims, but they believe there are hundreds of people in the Mesa area who have been victimized by the towing company's practices.
Possible victims should call Mesa Police Department at 480-644-2324.
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