Issue Date:  -  Friday, 1 July 2005

Unlicensed vehicle dealer prosecuted Victor WASYLEWSKI

Mirrabooka man Victor Wasylewski (55) has been fined $5,000 with costs of $492 in the Perth Magistrates Court for the unlicensed dealing of vehicles earning him more than $46,000 in profits whilst operating from premises in Malaga in contravention of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act.

Over a two-year period, Mr Wasylewski placed numerous advertisements and in the course of his business dealt with at least 29 vehicles that included interstate transportation of some vehicles, buying and dismantling damaged vehicles prior to selling them and also selling vehicles on behalf of other people.

"Cowboy operators such as Mr Wasylewski are a danger to consumers and a menace to the motor vehicle industry and we will never resile from prosecuting them", Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

"Unlicensed dealers lack professional support and training and would not carry adequate protection in the event of someone being injured by purchasing a dodgy vehicle.

"Responsible vehicle dealers who are properly licensed and qualified to conduct this type of business and who invest in professional training have their reputation tarnished when back yard operators put consumers at risk.

"Considering the amount of profit that Mr Wasylewski made on these transactions I am not convinced that the penalty has matched the crime and I have instructed our legal team to advise me on the appropriateness of an appeal to have this increased", Commissioner Walker said.

Suspected unlicensed dealers should be reported to Consumer Protection on telephone number 1300 30 40 54 or by email at consumer@docep.wa.gov.au .