Jaipur: A major scam involving the illegal trade of old and highly coveted vehicle registration numbers has surfaced in Rajasthan, with preliminary findings indicating that a well-organized network manipulated registration records to obtain and sell premium numbers. Investigators estimate that the illegal transactions linked to the racket could be worth nearly ₹500 crore.
According to sources familiar with the probe, the operation was carefully planned and executed. In several cases, vehicle owners were unaware that their Registration Certificate (RC) records had been quietly transferred to another person’s name. Once the ownership details were altered, the old and attractive vehicle numbers were allegedly sold in the market at high prices.
Scheme often began through agents
The scam came to light after an incident involving a car owner in Jaipur who had approached an agent to renew his vehicle’s registration certificate. Such a step is common, as many vehicle owners rely on agents to handle documentation and renewal procedures.
However, when the updated RC was issued, the owner was shocked to discover that the vehicle ownership had been transferred from his name to that of another individual. Investigations later indicated that the transfer had allegedly been carried out without his knowledge or consent.
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High demand for old-series numbers
Old vehicle numbers in Rajasthan—particularly those consisting of three letters followed by four digits—are widely regarded as premium or “VIP” numbers. These belong to the earlier numbering format used before the state adopted newer vehicle registration series.
For many vehicle owners, such numbers are seen as a symbol of prestige. As a result, buyers are often willing to spend several lakhs of rupees to acquire them. Investigators believe that this strong demand created an underground market where intermediaries could earn large profits.
The probe suggests that a network of middlemen, document handlers and individuals familiar with administrative procedures allegedly worked together to identify vehicles with desirable numbers. These vehicles were often those whose owners relied on agents for routine tasks such as RC renewal or documentation updates.
RC transfers allegedly done using forged papers
Investigators say that in several instances forged signatures and fabricated documents were used to process RC transfers. Once the ownership records were altered, the original vehicle owners often remained unaware that changes had been made in official records.
After gaining control over the registration record, the premium vehicle number would allegedly be separated and sold to another buyer willing to pay a hefty amount. In many cases the price of such numbers reportedly ran into lakhs of rupees, while especially attractive numbers fetched even higher sums.
Network suspected across multiple cities
Sources indicate that the network may not have been limited to Jaipur alone. Preliminary findings suggest that similar activities could have occurred in other parts of the state as well. Investigators believe the illegal trade may have been operating quietly for several years, involving a significant number of vehicle numbers.
Authorities are now examining cases in which vehicle registration records changed suddenly or where old premium numbers appeared on different vehicles. Several such instances have already been flagged, where vehicle owners later discovered that their records had been altered.
Vehicle owners advised to stay vigilant
Following the revelations, vehicle owners have been advised to remain cautious while dealing with documentation processes. Experts suggest that owners should regularly verify their vehicle records and avoid relying entirely on agents for official procedures. Renowned cyber crime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said that such scams often exploit administrative loopholes and procedural negligence.
According to him, “Whenever government records are updated through digital or semi-digital processes, criminals sometimes attempt to manipulate documentation or identity details to alter records. Strong multi-layer verification mechanisms are essential to prevent such misuse.”
Investigators are now working to trace the full network involved in the alleged scam. Officials believe that as the probe progresses, more individuals linked to the operation and additional instances of illegal transactions may come to light.
