In Detroit, a large portion of inhabitants either have occupations in the car business or are connected to a present worker. This lineage entitles numerous individuals to a valid worker discount.
The leading salesperson from Parkway Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep-Ram dealership in the region allegedly misused that benefit by purchasing and vending Employee Purchase Control Numbers (EPCNs) on the illicit market, as detailed in a report by Auto News. Apollon “Apollo” Nimo was apprehended on Friday following an inquiry that linked 268 instances of fraudulent EPCN usage. Nimo, presently out on a $10,000 bond, faces charges of wire fraud and conspiracy to engage in wire fraud for distributing worker discounts to unqualified buyers.
Associated Press
Jim Schebil, owner and president of Fox Hills ChryslerJeep in Plymouth, revealed to The Detroit News that once a sale is finalized, FCA reimburses dealers for the 5% discounts. In total, this scheme cost FCA/Stellantis nearly $9 million. Allegedly, Nimo made about $700,000 from this illegal ploy and managed to remain under the radar despite selling roughly 250 cars in January 2020. According to Fox 2 Detroit, a Sterling Heights Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram manager informed federal investigators that “Nimo outsells entire sales departments at most FCA dealerships.”
The Detroit News reported that these worker numbers were traded within private Facebook groups. Two identified groups were named “Chaldean Mens Only (The Official Page of Chaldean Men Worldwide)” and “Chaldean Men of Detroit (And Worldwide).” These groups have peculiar regulations like “You must identify as a male. Born with a Dick and still have a Dick. No Females.”
Nimo’s purported deception was unraveled when several employees reported their worker discount codes being utilized without consent. Consider the potential number of individuals unaware of their numbers being traded illicitly. While this incident may complicate legitimate workers and relatives from obtaining their rightful discounts, hopefully, this apprehension will dissuade others.
Have a lead? Drop a message to the writer: kristin.shaw@thedrive.com
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