Pune Graduate Turns Bike Thief: Sold Stolen Motorcycles on Facebook Using Finance Scam
Pune, 12 July 2025: The Pune Police Crime Branch Unit 5 has arrested a 26-year-old man involved in stealing expensive motorcycles and selling them through online platforms under false pretences. The accused, identified as Mahadev Shivaji Garad, was caught and two stolen bikes, a Honda CB Shine (MH-15/GH/9148) and a Honda Unicorn (MH-11/CT/2914), were recovered from his possession.
During the interrogation, Garad confessed to stealing several Honda Unicorn motorcycles. He admitted to using Facebook Marketplace to list the stolen bikes for sale. He would deceive buyers by claiming that the motorcycles were repossessed by finance companies due to missed EMI payments, thereby justifying the suspiciously low prices and lack of ownership documents.
As the investigation progressed, police discovered a total of 14 stolen motorcycles, including 12 Honda Unicorns and the two initially recovered bikes, collectively worth ₹8.4 lakh.
These thefts were linked to multiple cases across various police jurisdictions, including six from Hadapsar Police Station, three from Kalepadal Police Station, two from Chikhli and Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Stations, and three from Sangvi and Pimpri-Chinchwad Police Stations.
What makes the case particularly surprising is that Garad is a graduate. Police said he turned to crime to fund a lifestyle of leisure and entertainment. Despite his education, he chose to exploit online platforms and unsuspecting customers for quick financial gains.
The Pune Police are continuing their investigation to trace any further links, potential accomplices, and additional stolen vehicles. Authorities have urged citizens to be cautious while buying vehicles through online marketplaces and to verify documents thoroughly before making purchases.
