Luxury car thefts flourish in Russia

Just_me · **Luxury car thefts flourish in Russia -** 08-20-2007, 05:12 PM

Russia’s recent economic boom has seen the number of ultra-luxury vehicle sales in the country skyrocket, but as the demand for these cars has risen so has the demand to steal them. This past week alone, two Bentley Continental GTs were stolen in Moscow. The most recent car to be stolen was a sky-blue Conti GT valued at $340,000, while the second car was owned by Olympic gold medalist Vladimir Zhmudsky.

As more people are able to afford expensive cars in the country, the super-rich have caused a massive influx of ultra-modern and obscenely expensive makes to maintain the status quo. This influx caused Bentley to start selling its vehicles to the Russians in 2003, and over 1,300 have now been sold in the capital alone, reports the Associated Press.

Other car makers have followed suit even with the high custom duties in place, including Ferrari, Lamborghini and Maserati. The problem with most supercars is that the attention they can get can be both good and bad. In any case, we’re sure if you can afford a Bentley, you can afford to get “protection” from the Russian mafia.

Giannis · **Re: Luxury car thefts flourish in Russia -** 08-21-2007, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Article

In any case, we’re sure if you can afford a Bentley, you can afford to get “protection” from the Russian mafia.

lol, so true...

My question is this: Ok, you steal the car, but if you want to service it, don't they check the VIN number? Won't they, somehow, see that the car is stolen and report you to the police?