By Kate Lynch
A forgery racket involving at least 15 schools has been busted by police who have charged an Auckland Grammar boy with selling fake driver’s licences.
Dozens of forged driver’s licences have already been confiscated, and police believe there are hundreds more out there.
The Hospitality Association says it is a common problem, and one that is getting harder to combat.
“These guys, by producing false IDs, are putting our industry at risk,” says Bruce Robertson of the association.
“If they get caught inside the premises, our members are liable for prosecution, loss of licence and our staff could lose their jobs.”
Police traced the false IDs back to Lim, who detectives say sold the IDs by word of mouth and text for $100 each.
When they raided his home and seized his computer, they found a database with the names of hundreds of students, who they also believe bought the fakes.
The list of schools involved is extensive.
It includes; Auckland Grammar, Senior College, Sacred Heart College, Glendowie College, Epsom Girls Grammar, Baradene College, Dilworth School, Carmel College, Westlake Girls High School, Glenfield College, Rangitoto College, Waitakere College, Lynfield College and Rose Hill College, Orewa College and Correspondence School.
The list also included students from as far away as Whangarei Boys High.
Many of the students who bought the IDs have already been located and given a warning, but not charged.
Police say those who have not should hand them in, or risk winding up in court.
But Mr Robertson says he wants all the students involved hit hard.
“These people need to understand the seriousness of this offence, it is very serious, and is not a fun thing to do. So a clear message needs to be sent to people that they should not do this.”
3 News
source: newshub archive
