12 Indicted in Denver Tow Truck Scam

A Denver grand jury has indicted 12 people on 187 charges stemming from an alleged tow truck fraud scheme that caused at least $2.5 million in losses, according to District Attorney John Walsh.

The indictment covers alleged crimes committed between June 25, 2023, and Sept. 30, 2026, including forgery, theft, fraud involving creditors, the Colorado Department of Revenue and insurance companies, and the fraudulent sale of towed vehicles.

Two defendants, Oscar Salinas Jr. and Zaki Meharzi, allegedly used their towing operation to steal luxury vehicles, including Lamborghinis, purchase stolen tow trucks and illegally alter vehicle identification numbers. Investigators also allege they used forged documents to eliminate legal claims against vehicles before selling them.

The indictment further describes alleged predatory towing practices in which drivers solicited business at crash scenes using misleading statements. Victims were then charged exorbitant towing and storage fees, effectively holding vehicles hostage until owners or insurers paid.

The more than 130-page indictment details fraudulent vehicle sales in Denver, Columbus, Ohio, and other cities. Some alleged transactions involved financing agreements spanning six to seven years.

The charges remain allegations unless proven in court.

Source: https://kdvr.com