After successfully getting the Model X the first time, his return for another Tesla proved to be his downfall
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by Brad Anderson
8 hours ago
Georgia police have nabbed a real-life Tesla enthusiast, who clearly couldn’t get enough of the electric carmaker’s magic, allegedly fraudulently purchasing a Model X on December 12 and then attempting to buy a second Tesla using a fake ID in early January.
According to the authorities, the suspect in question, 24-year-old Fouad Kemal, initially acquired a Model X through the Tesla app, allegedly utilizing a fake ID and fabricated bank account details, and collected it from the Fayetteville dealership on December 12. Surprisingly, no one at the dealership noticed anything amiss, and he left with a free car valued at $112,000.
Apparently, the fact that the suspect got away with it emboldened him to return to the same dealership on January 6, where he tried to purchase a second Tesla through the app, once again using a fake ID and false bank information. Unfortunately for him, sharp-eyed employees at the dealership recognized the man and promptly dialed 911.
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The 24-year-old resident of Silver Springs, Maryland, was apprehended and now faces charges of forgery, theft by deception, identity fraud, and theft by taking a motor vehicle. During his second visit to the dealership, he was accompanied by 26-year-old Hazma Addow, who was also arrested and charged with one count of financial identity fraud and one count of obstruction of an officer. Authorities, speaking with Fox 5 Atlanta, indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming for the two individuals.
Read: Norway Opens Tesla Probe That Could End Up Recalling Every Model S And X In The Country
Police said Tesla has not yet been able to track down the Model X that Kemal picked up in December.
While the suspect’s daring escapades caught the attention of law enforcement, they also serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by automakers and dealerships in preventing fraudulent vehicle purchases and thefts. Security measures are continually evolving to stay ahead of clever individuals looking to exploit weaknesses in the system.