Secondhand Dealer Denied License Over Stolen Goods Link

26.01.2025

ARTICLE

A Wellington man has been denied a license to operate as a secondhand dealer after authorities linked him to a property theft investigation involving a local business.

Javed Mohammadi applied for a license under the Secondhand Dealers and Pawnbrokers Act 2004, but his application was met with opposition from the Police, who argued he failed to meet the "fit and proper person" standard required for certification.

Concerns centered around Mr. Mohammadi’s association with Lion Auto Dismantlers, a business currently under investigation for its alleged role in handling stolen property. Two of the company’s associates, Abdul Ahmadi and James Alizadah, face multiple charges related to receiving stolen goods.

The investigation was triggered when a stolen van was tracked to the dismantler’s yard using an Apple AirTag. The vehicle, which had been disassembled, was discovered at the business premises, raising red flags about its operations. Notably, the AirTag had been found near Mr. Mohammadi’s home address prior to the van’s recovery.

Despite being given the opportunity to address the Police’s concerns, Mr. Mohammadi did not provide a written response or any references to support his application.

The Private Security Personnel Licensing Authority, in its decision, stressed the importance of integrity in the secondhand goods trade, particularly the need for operators to remain vigilant against stolen items entering their businesses.

“Someone who allows stolen goods to pass through their business—or turns a blind eye—cannot be considered a fit and proper person,” the decision stated.

Citing Mr. Mohammadi’s connections to Lion Auto Dismantlers and the evidence tied to the stolen van, the Authority ruled that he could not be trusted to meet the Act's obligations. His application was declined, with the Police objection upheld.

This case underscores the heightened scrutiny within the secondhand goods industry, where authorities aim to prevent stolen property from being traded. Modern tracking technology like Apple’s AirTag has proven instrumental in aiding such investigations, offering a crucial tool for recovering stolen items and identifying those involved in theft networks.