- Two individuals are currently standing trial, accused of committing car theft in a gang-related context.
Due to a significant increase in vehicle thefts and dealing in stolen goods, two men are currently facing trial at the Schwerin Regional Court. Alongside unidentified accomplices, they are suspected of stealing cars or car components primarily in Northern Germany from May to December 2022, profiting from them.
The primary suspect, aged 30, with a prior criminal record, is accused of being involved in 22 instances. The total worth of the stolen property is estimated to be 171,520 euros by the prosecution.
The second defendant, 27 years old, previously served a lengthy prison sentence, is suspected of involvement in five cases and making a profit of 17,000 euros. Authorities suspect that the two Polish men, acting as part of the gang, transported the vehicles to Poland.
Plea bargain proposed
At the trial's commencement, initially scheduled for six sessions, the judge suggested a plea bargain if the defendants' confessions were proven authentic. The primary suspect was offered a prison sentence ranging from five and a half to six years, which he has shown willingness to accept.
The judge urged the second defendant, who has so far refused the deal, to reconsider. He was provided with a sentence ranging from three years and ten months to four years and three months.
However, comprehensive confessions and the withdrawal of the appeal against the previous verdict are prerequisites. The man was initially sentenced to three years and four months by the district court, against which he filed an appeal. According to the court, he has already served 14 months of this sentence. The proposed total prison sentence is slightly higher than the initial judgment. "I'm giving you an offer you can't refuse," the judge said, referencing a well-known movie quote.
Thefts in the North
The gang predominantly targeted Volkswagen, Seat, Peugeot, and Fiat vehicles. The crimes took place in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schleswig-Holstein, Niedersachsen, and Brandenburg. The investigation was facilitated by speed camera photos from speed checks, ultimately leading to the suspects.
The suspects are believed to have stolen cars and car components primarily in Northern Germany, specifically in areas like Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Schleswig-Holstein, Niedersachsen, and Brandenburg. During the time period of May to December 2022, their criminal activities in Northern Germany were quite prominent.
