• Thornlie man convicted of selling 103 vehicles after deciding not to renew licence
• Consumer Protection warning to illegal dealers – “we will prosecute”
• Public urged to dob-in unlicensed motor vehicle dealers

Buying and selling more than 100 vehicles in six months has seen a car seller who deliberately decided not to renew his dealer’s licence fined $47,600 by the Armadale Magistrates Court.

Alix Alchikh Ebrahim Aljilani of Thornlie was convicted on two charges of buying and selling 103 vehicles without a licence between January and July 2022, in breach of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act.

In handing down the penalty, Magistrate Mahon described the case as unusual, given Mr Aljilani had previously been a motor vehicle dealer who knew the licensing requirements, yet he had chosen not to comply. Mr Aljilani’s dealer’s licence expired in December 2021.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake said the sizeable penalty reflected the serious nature of the offence and warned that more prosecutions will follow.

“Unlicensed car dealing is illegal and a real danger to the community, as the vehicles sold can be riddled with problems and it can be difficult for consumers to exercise their rights to a remedy,” Ms Blake said.

“The licensing system ensures that only fit and proper people are allowed to work in the motor vehicle dealing industry. If you sell or exchange four or more vehicles in any 12-month period to or with people that are not dealers, you’re carrying on a business and you need to be licensed.

“Anyone currently operating as a car dealer who thinks they can sell motor vehicles outside of the licensing system and escape that scrutiny needs to think again – Consumer Protection investigators will find you and we will prosecute.

“Mr Aljilani knew the rules, yet he showed a flagrant disregard for the law when he decided to keep selling vehicles for more than six months after his dealer’s licence had expired.”

The public is asked to report unlicensed dealers to Consumer Protection. Motor vehicle buyers can ask to see a dealer’s licence, or use Consumer Protection’s Licence and Registration Search at www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au. Unlicensed motor vehicle dealers can be reported via email at consumer@demirs.wa.gov.au or phone on 1300 30 40 54.

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Media Contact: Frankie Pennington, (08) 6552 9410 / 0423 846 397 cpmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au