The Republican National Guard (GNR) successfully recovered a stolen vehicle in Funchal, Madeira, originally taken in Spain in 2024.
In a statement released on Saturday, the authorities detailed that police inquiries were conducted as part of an “investigation coordinated with Interpol,” which led to the vehicle being found in a workshop in Funchal.
“During the operation, it was established that the vehicle was in the possession of an individual who had purchased it from a dealership in the Autonomous Region of Madeira through bank financing, unaware of its illicit origin,” stated the GNR.
The vehicle was subsequently seized, and the dealership owner, a 59-year-old man, was identified.
The GNR emphasized that “before purchasing used vehicles, especially those originating from abroad, it is essential to request a complete history of the vehicle, including the vehicle identification number (VIN), previous ownership records, and the respective European certificate of conformity.”
It is also “advisable to engage with professionals or appropriately accredited entities with the expertise to conduct a technical verification of the vehicle and validation of the presented documentation.”
The authority warned that “acquiring vehicles of illicit origin can result in the immediate seizure of the asset and involve the buyer in criminal proceedings, particularly for the crime of receiving stolen goods, even if the buyer acted in good faith.”
