AHMEDABAD– An authorized Volkswagen dealership in Ahmedabad, Automark Motors Limited, has become the center of a significant corporate fraud investigation after its CEO filed a police complaint alleging an ₹87.5 lakh scheme perpetrated by current and former employees. The detailed complaint reveals a two-year-long conspiracy involving the manipulation of vehicle parts and the siphoning of valuable inventory, exposing vulnerabilities within the dealership’s operations.
Unearthing the Discrepancies
The alleged fraud came to light in April 2024 during a routine internal audit conducted by Automark Motors Limited. The audit, initiated by CEO Manjeet Sawant, meticulously examined the dealership’s inventory and records. This critical review uncovered substantial financial irregularities that had been accumulating over a period of nearly two years, from June 2022.
The Scope of the Scheme
The internal investigation revealed a two-pronged approach to the illicit activities. Firstly, a significant stock deficit amounting to ₹54.40 lakh was identified, indicating that vehicles or parts had been removed from the premises without proper accounting. Secondly, a further ₹33.13 lakh worth of inventory was found to be either damaged or tampered with, suggesting deliberate sabotage or unauthorized swapping of components. The combined loss from these activities totaled ₹87.54 lakh, painting a clear picture of systematic financial drain.
Accusations and Allegations
The formal police complaint, or First Information Report (FIR), names seven individuals believed to be involved in the fraudulent scheme. Among those accused are a former store manager and a service head, highlighting the alleged involvement of employees in positions of trust and authority. The complaint states that these individuals conspired to manipulate internal records and unlawfully exchange or remove vehicle parts, effectively defrauding the dealership over an extended period.
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Ongoing Investigation and Next Steps
Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the matter. While evidence is currently being collected and examined, no arrests have been made in connection with the case. The police are working to piece together the full extent of the conspiracy and identify all individuals responsible.