Hundreds of JDM Cars in Florida Were Illegally Imported

Due to regulations, it is illegal to drive and import certain Japanese vehicles in the U.S. and many buyers of illegally imported JDM cars just had their titles revoked.
Written by Serena Aburahma
Reviewed by Kathleen Flear
Japanese vehicles are designed to be driven on the right side of the road. Due to their difference in construction compared to cars in the U.S., plus their difference in crash and emissions standards, these vehicles are illegal to import and drive here. 
However, hundreds of
JDM cars
were just found illegally imported in Florida. 
Nicole Chiong and Andres Dias were two people involved in the scheme that we know of so far. Between the two involved, there are more than 130 charges against them, with at least 348 people now with revoked
titles
for their vehicles. Those drivers won't be able to get
insurance
coverage.

What went down to catch these illegally-imported JDM cars

According to
Motorbiscuit
, The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles discovered an illegal import ring. Two businesses were found to be a part of it, J-Spec Garage and Soho Alliance. 
Andres Dias and Nicole Chiong were corporate officers of their businesses and were arrested for their part in the ring. 
They illegally imported at least 348 vehicles within six years, between 2014 and 2020. They committed fraud to file applications under false identities and using fake addresses. If the companies would have gotten registered as legal importers, this may have been avoided. 
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The illegal importers were charged with multiple counts

The two involved in this crime have been charged with numerous counts. They face at least 50 counts of identity theft, 40 of producing forged documents, and another 40 for falsifying a bill of sale. 
Soho Imports, the main company that owns the two businesses, also had its dealership license revoked. They created a dangerous threat to the Florida public because of their wrongdoing. 

So, what happened to the cars, and what JDM vehicles were involved?

Customers who purchased these cars have now had their titles revoked. This makes them ineligible to drive on the road, and they will never become eligible to do so in the future. These vehicles are considered contraband in the U.S. and are indicated as such on a government list.
Anyone with a contraband vehicle involved in this scheme can keep their car if they desire, but it cannot operate legally on roadways. Use it as a race car or a decorative piece on your property. 
Otherwise, the best solution is to surrender the vehicle to the nearest Port of Entry and let the Department of Homeland Security handle it. 
Some of the most notable vehicles involved include those that were pricey to purchase. These weren't cheap vehicles that people are now unable to drive. They were worth a pretty penny, many of them worth tens of thousands of dollars. 
Among the list of cars were a Mazda RX-7, Mitsubishi Pajero Mini, Porsche 911, Nissan Skyline, Suzuki Carry DD51 Kei truck, Toyota Hi-Ace, and Toyota MR-2. These are just a few out of many vehicles put on the contraband list. One Nissan Skyline was purchased for more than $68,000. 
It's safe to say that the people swindled in this scheme are not happy. They spent their money on a vehicle they liked and wanted to show off on the road, and now they are out of their money and their car. 
MORE: Are Japanese Cars More Reliable Than American Cars?

Make sure your car is safe with the right insurance

Let this be an example of what not to do. Always be sure your cars are imported legally so you don't have to face the repercussions. Also, sign up with
Jerry
for the ideal insurance plan on any vehicle you own. A monthly insurance cost is a much better price to pay than any fines for getting caught without it.
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