Free Traffic Legal Advice

Hello everyone,

I would appreciate some advice regarding a vehicle fraud matter that has become quite complicated.

Timeline
* In April 2025 I legitimately purchased a 2015 Mazda CX-5 (LP64 NZF) from Copart UK (Lot 51882895).
* I have evidence of purchase, payment receipt and the V5 document reference supplied by Copart.
* I subsequently became the registered keeper.
* The vehicle was later fraudulently obtained from me during a transaction involving a Toyota C-HR (DY72 LWA).
* West Midlands Police later confirmed the Toyota C-HR was stolen and seized.
* Following my fraud complaints, my banks upheld my fraud claims and reimbursed the losses.
* The Mazda CX-5 was never recovered.

I have recently discovered that:
* LP64 NZF remains active on DVLA records.
* It is currently taxed until May 2027.
* It has a valid MOT until February 2027.
* A further V5C was issued on 20 March 2026.
* The vehicle has also apparently been advertised for sale since it left my possession.
* I have reported matters to Action Fraud, West Midlands Police and have an existing correspondence trail with DVLA's CIO office.
* West Midlands Police have advised that if I wish to pursue recovery I may need to seek legal representation. They have not placed any marker on the vehicle.
* I have now submitted a V888 request to DVLA requesting current keeper and keeper history information.

My questions are:
1. What is the best legal route to prevent the vehicle from being continually sold on? Any recommendation for a good solicitor?
2. Can a solicitor compel police or DVLA to take further action?
3. Once I obtain the V888 information, what are the realistic recovery options? would this be better pursued as a civil recovery claim rather than a criminal matter?
4. Is there any mechanism to have the vehicle flagged as fraudulently obtained?

I have documentary evidence supporting the above, including Copart purchase records, bank fraud outcomes, DVLA correspondence, MOT/tax records, and police references.

Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

I have now formally submitted a V888 request to DVLA and separately provided supporting evidence to DVLA's CIO office, including proof of legitimate purchase from Copart UK, payment receipts, and evidence that a further V5C was issued in March 2026. I also have bank fraud outcomes that upheld my claims.

My immediate concern is preventing further onward sales of the car while ownership and recovery issues remain unresolved.

OP, you said "my banks upheld my fraud claims and reimbursed the losses."

So why do any subsequent changes of "ownership" concern you in any way?

To clarify, ... The bank reimbursement addressed the financial losses arising from the fraud ... My concern is that LP64 NZF remains active, a new V5C has been issued and the vehicle may continue to circulate or be sold on despite having been obtained through a fraudulent transaction.

That doesn't clarify anything.

If the bank reimbursement "addressed the financial losses arising from the fraud" then what does it matter to you what happens to LP64 NZF? Are you not explaining yourself very well and somehow you are still out of pocket or is there another part to the story that you haven't shared?

Right. So you are still out of pocket on what you paid for the Mazda. Owing to the fact you have no Mazda and no Toyota and only part of the fee for the Toyota returned via the cash element?

So what do you want to happen? The vehicle returned? Scrapped? Given a new registration?