Man in custody after allegedly trying to sell hired car

By ZEDAIAH KANAU
A 24-YEAR-OLD man is in custody after he and two accomplices allegedly tried to sell a hired car valued at K230,000 in Port Moresby.
John Wani, from Pabrapulg village, Tambul Nebilyer, Western Highlands, was read of his charges by Magistrate Tracy Ganaii at the Waigani Committal Court yesterday.
He was charged with conspiracy to defraud, false pretence and stealing a Toyota Landcruiser 10-seater belonging to Lau Hire Cars.
The case was adjourned to Feb 21 for further mention.
Police alleged that the mastermind was a postgraduate lawyer, who allegedly recruited Wani and another person to commit the offence.
On Jan 8 at about 3pm the postgraduate lawyer texted the director of Lau Hire Cars to meet him at Airways Hotel where he resided and was handed the vehicle after mutual trust was established.
The next day (Jan 9), the lawyer contacted Wani and the other accomplice and they drove the vehicle to 9-Mile outside Port Moresby and looked to sell the vehicle for K50,000.
A buyer, Joel Yamben, notified to inspect the vehicle.
Upon inspection, Yamben realised that the vehicle belonged to a hire car firm and notified the owner afterwards, which lead to the eventual arrest of the seller.
The same day Yamben and the vehicle owner liaised with the Criminal Investigation Division motor squad to arrest the seller.