Swansea police on the search for used car dealership owner charged with fraud

Sep 30, 2024 at 1:11 AM

Unraveling the Deception: Swansea Police Pursue Elusive Used Car Dealer Accused of Fraud

In a troubling turn of events, the Swansea Police Department has launched an intensive investigation into the alleged fraudulent activities of a local used car dealership owner. The case has left a trail of victims in its wake, prompting authorities to take swift action to protect consumers from further deception.

Uncovering a Web of Deceit: The Alarming Allegations Against Bristol County Auto Exchange

The Vanishing Titles and Forged Licenses

According to the Swansea police, the investigation has revealed a disturbing pattern of fraudulent practices employed by the owner of Bristol County Auto Exchange, Edward Cicciu. Cicciu, 46, is accused of receiving multiple vehicles on loan from a local auction, but failing to obtain the necessary titles for these vehicles if the auction fees were not paid in full. Exploiting this loophole, Cicciu would then allegedly put these loaned vehicles up for sale at his dealership.The scheme took a sinister turn as Cicciu is said to have sold these vehicles, pocketing the payments for himself. To further conceal his actions, he is alleged to have attached fake license plates and forged licenses, promising buyers that the titles and registrations would arrive in the mail. However, the buyers were left disappointed as the promised documents never materialized, leading to the cars being repossessed by the auctions.

The Victims Speak: Shattered Dreams and Broken Promises

The victims of Cicciu's alleged fraud have come forward, sharing their harrowing experiences. Buyers of the cars have reported that their titles never arrived, leaving them unable to properly register the vehicles they had purchased. This not only resulted in the cars being repossessed, but also left the unsuspecting buyers in a precarious legal and financial situation."This has been an extensive investigation that underscores our commitment to protecting consumers from dishonest practices," said Chief Mark Foley of the Swansea Police Department in a press release. The department has taken the allegations of fraud very seriously, recognizing the significant impact it has had on the lives of those affected.

The Elusive Suspect: Cicciu on the Run

As the investigation has unfolded, the Swansea Police Department has been unable to locate Cicciu, who is currently on the run. The authorities have reported that at least 25 individuals have come forward since May of this year, alleging that they were defrauded by the used car dealership owner.The search for Cicciu is ongoing, and the Swansea Police Department is urging anyone who believes they may have been a victim of his alleged fraudulent activities to come forward and contact Officer Donald Dibiasio at 508-674-8464. The investigation remains active, and the department is committed to bringing the perpetrator to justice and providing restitution to the affected individuals.

Protecting Consumers: The Swansea Police Department's Unwavering Commitment

The Swansea Police Department has made it clear that they take allegations of fraud very seriously, and this case is no exception. The extensive investigation into Cicciu's alleged activities underscores the department's dedication to safeguarding consumers from dishonest practices."We urge anyone who believes they may have been affected to come forward," Chief Foley emphasized, highlighting the importance of public cooperation in uncovering the full extent of the fraud and ensuring that justice is served.As the investigation continues, the Swansea community and beyond await the resolution of this troubling case, hoping that the elusive Cicciu will be brought to account for the alleged harm he has caused. The Swansea Police Department's unwavering commitment to protecting consumers and upholding the law serves as a beacon of hope for those who have been victimized by this complex web of deceit.