By Miguel Abrahams
Lamborghini Johannesburg is aware of two stolen Lamborghini Urus vehicles.
This comes after a Lamborghini Urus was reported stolen in Bedfordview through a recall scam on February 4.
Private investigator Anton Koen confirmed the vehicle had since been seen in Mozambique.
The owner of the vehicle has offered a reward of R200 000 for any information leading to the recovery of the vehicle.
Owners of high-end vehicles are called and told there is a problem with their vehicle and it must be returned to the dealership. Thereafter, the vehicle is collected, placed on a flat-bed and taken away, said Koen.
“Owners then call the dealership a few days later asking about their vehicle, with the dealership having no knowledge of the vehicle.”
According to Lamborghini Johannesburg, Lamborghini SA has been informed of the theft of two Lamborghini Urus vehicles recently.
“We have no first-hand information and cannot comment on the theft of any specific Lamborghini Urus,” said Lamborghini Johannesburg.
Lamborghini Johannesburg said Lamborghini SA is not actively involved or close to the investigation processes, and cannot comment on the possibility of recovering any of the stolen Lamborghini Urus vehicles.
“Recall campaigns are introduced by the manufacturer, Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A, as and when the circumstances justify such action, which Lamborghini SA then carries out on the manufacturer’s instruction in accordance with a prescribed protocol and procedure,” said Lamborghini Johannesburg.
Lamborghini Johannesburg has sent out a security alert, following the recent recall scams to existing Lamborghini customers.
The pricing for a new-base model of a Lamborghini Urus starts from R3 495 000.
Group operations director of IRS Forensic Investigations Chad Thomas believes the stolen Lamborghini Urus in Bedfordview is due to an ongoing crime syndicate.
“This is not the first instance of luxury super vehicles being stolen and found either cross-border or at the border,” said Thomas.
Thomas believes these vehicles are ordered by high net-worth individuals from various countries, normally cross-border countries that utilise the vehicles for recreation.
He said a damaged Ferrari was found at the border recently in an attempt to cross.
“The vehicles are driven across much like with the Ferrari, but there are other methods such as a sealed truck.
“It is mainly done by the latter, with someone being bribed at the border post to let the vehicle through,” said Thomas.
He added 4x4s, such as Ford Fortuners, are also being targeted and are driven cross-border through the Kruger National Park or other areas where the fencing isn’t as good.
Thomas said it would be impossible to drive a luxury vehicle in the same manner, as the terrain includes rivers.
“The syndicates aren’t that sophisticated, it’s easier to corrupt people at the border. They turn a blind eye, perhaps tell the guys to come through either early or later in the afternoon.
“Mozambique has a port city and it may be exported to a criminal syndicate, most probably in an Eastern Europe or UAE country,” said Thomas.
Thomas does not believe the stolen Lamborghini Urus are connected to any syndicate in Bedfordview.
“I believe the Lamborghini will be returned, but not in the condition it was taken in,” said Thomas.
Koen urged anyone who has any information to contact him directly on 071 127 6091.
