Arrest in Bristol County Auto Exchange Fraud Scheme, Police Say – NBC Boston

The owner of a used car store in Massachusetts, wanted since last week on suspicion of fraud, theft and other charges, was arrested Tuesday in Boston, police said.

Swansea police on Wednesday were still urging anyone who believes they may be a victim of Edward Ciccius' alleged fraud scheme at the Bristol County Auto Exchange at 2388 Grand Army of the Republic Highway to contact them.

The department said Thursday that about 25 people had reported being defrauded by Cicciu and announced that he was wanted on fraud charges. Officials said Wednesday that the 46-year-old Attleborough resident was arrested on charges of theft, forgery or misuse of RMV documents and failure to comply with a transfer of a motor vehicle.

It was not immediately clear whether Cicciu had an attorney who could comment on the charges he was scheduled to face Thursday in Fall River District Court.

“I want to thank our law enforcement partners who helped spread the word about the arrest warrants against Mr. Cicciu that resulted in his being taken into custody last night in Boston,” Police Chief Mark Foley said in a statement. “Since we announced the warrants last week, several additional victims have come forward and we remain diligent as we continue to work on this case.”

Authorities said Cicciu receives cars on loan from a local auction, but does not receive title to the vehicles until he pays for the auction in full. The vehicles will then be offered for sale at the Bristol County Auto Exchange.

Cicciu completes a sale, takes payment, attaches fake or counterfeit license plates and promises that a title and registration will be sent to the buyer, police said. But then he allegedly stopped responding to the victims and never paid for the auction for the vehicle.

The buyers then never receive the titles and cannot register the vehicles, according to police. And since the victims' vehicles are still in the auction company's possession, they are in the process of repossessing them.

Swansea police have asked anyone who believes they may have been affected by the alleged scheme to call 508-674-8464.