U.S. Arrests Russian National Accused of Rolling Back Vehicle Odometers

Marietta, Georgia, police arrested 32-year-old Russian national Albert Konstantin, who is accused of systematically rolling back the odometers of used cars. CBS News reports.

According to law enforcement, Konstantin had been involved in the illegal activity for at least two years. He allegedly lowered the actual mileage on vehicles so he could sell them at inflated prices to unsuspecting buyers.

Police conducted an undercover purchase: An undercover officer attempted to buy a vehicle from Konstantin through an online marketplace. During the transaction, the suspect provided a fraudulent Carfax report showing 94,500 miles, while the actual mileage was 288,000 miles. According to investigators, at least four buyers fell victim to the scheme, and the total profit from the fraudulent sales amounted to about $82,000.

Konstantin faces four charges — felony counts of fraud and odometer tampering.

The arrested man was turned over to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Cobb County jail records confirm that Konstantin is a Russian citizen.

Marietta police urged anyone who purchased vehicles from Konstantin to check their vehicle histories through Carfax and compare the mileage readings. Victims of the fraud are asked to contact the police department, the channel reports.