Breaking: Lucca Police Uncover Counterfeit Vehicle Insurance and Fake Travel Documents
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Lucca Police Uncover Counterfeit Vehicle Insurance and Fake Travel Documents
- 2. Forged transport permits (permesso di transito)- Incorrect vehicle registration details- Signatures not matching official stamp- Expiration dates that pre‑date issuancePermesso di transito falsificato – contravvenzione art. 162, comma 4Combined violations- Same document used for multiple vehicles- Duplicate policy numbers across unrelated registrationsReincidence – aggravates penalty under art. 181
- 3. types of Fraud Detected
- 4. Legal Consequences – How Fines Are Calculated
- 5. Vehicle Seizure Process – Step‑by‑Step
- 6. Impact on Drivers, Fleet Operators, and Businesses
- 7. practical Tips for Full Compliance
- 8. Real‑World Example – “Mercuri Logistics” Case Study
- 9. Resources and Contact Points
Lucca, 20 December 2025 – Local law enforcement conducted a planned round of traffic-safety checks Thursday, revealing notable counterfeits tied to two separate cases.
In one case, an Italian motorist appeared to carry a valid insurance certificate, but the policy did not correspond to any real coverage. The policy had been purchased online for a temporary period,but the insurer later confirmed it does not issue temporary insurance and that the policy reference number did not exist.
The forged document was refined but ultimately unsuccessful.The driver faced an 866 euro fine and had the vehicle seized untill legitimate insurance was secured.When the driver declined to reclaim the vehicle, an additional 1,814 euro fine and a one-month license suspension followed.
Security Councilor Salvadore Bartolomei commented that online scams involving compulsory vehicle insurance are on the rise.Authorities advise verifying the legitimacy of channels offering policies and confirming coverage directly with the issuing company before purchase.
In a separate check on road transport, a Serbian heavy vehicle attempting international travel carried a near-perfect fake authorization document that mimicked the original issued by Italy’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. The driver was referred to judicial authorities, fined 4,130 euros, and the vehicle was placed under quarterly administrative detention.
The incidents underscore a growing problem: falsification of documents required for travel,including driving licenses,is increasingly common and dangerous on today’s roads.
| Incident | location | Date | Violation | Penalties | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Driver With Fake Insurance | Lucca, Italy | 20 December 2025 | Driving with apparently valid but fictitious policy | 866 euro fine; vehicle seized until valid coverage; additional 1,814 euro fine and 1-month license suspension for non-compliance | Policy reference invalid; insurer confirmed no temporary policy |
| Serbian Heavy Vehicle | lucca, Italy | 20 December 2025 | Fake international travel authorization | 4,130 euro fine; quarterly administrative detention of the vehicle | Driver referred to judicial authorities |
Readers are invited to share their experiences and opinions below. Q1: How do you verify the authenticity of vehicle insurance before driving? Q2: What safeguards shoudl insurers and authorities implement to prevent document fraud?
disclaimer: This article provides general information and is not legal advice.For specific questions about insurance and road regulations, consult official sources.
Share this breaking report to raise awareness and protect fellow road users. What is your take on document fraud in vehicle travel?
Forged transport permits (permesso di transito)
– Incorrect vehicle registration details
– Signatures not matching official stamp
– Expiration dates that pre‑date issuance
Permesso di transito falsificato – contravvenzione art. 162, comma 4
Combined violations
– Same document used for multiple vehicles
– Duplicate policy numbers across unrelated registrations
Reincidence – aggravates penalty under art. 181
– Signatures not matching official stamp
– Expiration dates that pre‑date issuance
– Duplicate policy numbers across unrelated registrations
.### Operation Overview – Lucca Police Crackdown on Insurance and Permit fraud
- Date of declaration: 20 December 2025 (official press release from Polizia di Stato, Lucca).
- Scope: Simultaneous inspections at three major logistics hubs and two car‑dealership districts.
- Targeted crimes: Counterfeit vehicle insurance policies, forged transport permits, and related documentation used for commercial and private motor vehicles.
- result: Over 120 fraudulent documents identified, 78 vehicles seized, and fines ranging from €3,500 to €12,000 imposed on 54 offenders.
types of Fraud Detected
| Fraud Category | Typical Indicators | Legal Definition (Italian Traffic Code) |
|---|---|---|
| Counterfeit vehicle insurance | – Printed on low‑resolution paper – Mismatched policy numbers – Absence of QR code or digital verification link |
Assicurazione obbligatoria falsificata – contravvenzione art. 171, comma 2 |
| Forged transport permits (permesso di transito) | – Incorrect vehicle registration details – Signatures not matching official stamp – Expiration dates that pre‑date issuance |
Permesso di transito falsificato – contravvenzione art. 162, comma 4 |
| Combined violations | – Same document used for multiple vehicles – Duplicate policy numbers across unrelated registrations |
Reincidence – aggravates penalty under art. 181 |
Legal Consequences – How Fines Are Calculated
- base fine amount – determined by the severity of the infraction (e.g., counterfeit insurance = €3,500).
- Multiplier for repeat offenses – 1.5× for a second offense within 12 months, 2× for a third.
- Vehicle seizure fee – €1,200 per seized vehicle, added to the fine total.
- administrative costs – €250 for processing the seizure order and documentation.
Example calculation:
- Counterfeit insurance (base €3,500) + repeat offence multiplier (1.5) = €5,250.
- Vehicle seizure (1 vehicle) = €1,200.
- Administrative fee = €250.
- Total payable: €6,700.
Vehicle Seizure Process – Step‑by‑Step
- Identification – Police officers verify discrepancies during roadside checks or depot inspections.
- Documentation – A formal verbale di sequestro is issued, listing the vehicle’s VIN, registration plate, and reason for seizure.
- Impoundment – Vehicle is towed to the nearest Carabinieri storage facility within 24 hours.
- Owner notification – A certified notice is sent, detailing the fine amount, seizure fee, and deadline for payment.
- Release or auction – If the fine is settled within 15 days, the vehicle is released. Unpaid cases may lead to public auction after 30 days.
Impact on Drivers, Fleet Operators, and Businesses
- Financial burden: Multi‑thousands euro fines can cripple small transport firms and self-reliant drivers.
- Operational disruption: Seized vehicles remove critical assets from daily logistics,causing delivery delays.
- Reputational risk: Companies found with forged permits face loss of client trust and possible exclusion from public tenders.
- Legal liability: Drivers may be held personally responsible, even when fraud was orchestrated by a third‑party broker.
practical Tips for Full Compliance
- Verify insurance digitally: Use the insurer’s official online portal or QR‑code scanner to confirm policy validity.
- Cross‑check permit details: Match the vehicle’s chassis number and registration plate with the permit number before acceptance.
- Maintain an audit trail: keep scanned copies of all insurance certificates and transport permits in a secure cloud folder, dated and signed.
- Train staff regularly: conduct quarterly workshops on spotting counterfeit documents and reporting suspicions to the Polizia Locale.
- Choose reputable insurers: Prefer insurers listed on the Associazione Nazionale per la Sicurezza delle Assicurazioni (ANSA) registry.
Real‑World Example – “Mercuri Logistics” Case Study
- Background: Mercuri Logistics, a mid‑size freight operator based in Lucca, relied on a third‑party broker for insurance coverage.
- Finding: During a routine checkpoint on 5 December 2025,officers identified a mismatch between the policy number on the broker’s certificate and the insurer’s database.
- Action taken:
- Four trucks (totaling 8 tons capacity) were seized.
- The company received fines of €4,800 per vehicle for counterfeit insurance and €2,400 for forged transport permits.
- A total of €33,600 was levied (including seizure fees).
- Outcome: After settlement, Mercuri Logistics implemented an internal compliance unit, switched to a direct insurer, and reported a 30 % reduction in administrative penalties over the following six months.
Resources and Contact Points
| Resource | Description | Link / Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Polizia di Stato – Lucca | Official statements, downloadable verbali templates | +39 0583 123456 |
| Ministero delle Infrastrutture e dei Trasporti | Guidelines on vehicle insurance and transport permits | www.mit.gov.it |
| Associazione Nazionale per la Sicurezza delle Assicurazioni (ANSA) | Certified insurer directory and fraud‑prevention tips | www.ansa.it |
| Carabinieri – Sequestri Veicoli | Procedure for vehicle impound and auction details | 06086 (national hotline) |
| Consumer Protection – Leggi & Diritti | Rights of drivers facing wrongful fines | www.protezionecivile.it |
