Home / Crime and Justice / Justin Bieber Buggy Scam: $200K Mokes Vanish
Justin Bieber Buggy Scam: $200K Mokes Vanish
17 Apr
Summary
- Four Moke buggies worth over $200,000 were allegedly stolen.
- Scammers posed as Justin Bieber's entourage for a fake rental.
- Vehicles tracked to US-Mexico border before GPS disabled.
A rental company in Newport Beach has reported the alleged theft of four compact Moke-style buggies, with a combined value exceeding $200,000. The incident appears to be a sophisticated scam involving individuals who posed as part of pop star Justin Bieber's entourage. The perpetrators allegedly requested a 10-day rental for vehicles purportedly to shuttle Bieber around the Coachella festival grounds.
The company's co-owner described being convinced by details referencing Bieber's son, believing the booking to be legitimate. After preparing the vehicles, a person claiming to be the renter's assistant collected the keys, and the Mokes were delivered to a Palm Desert address. A significant red flag arose when the renter, reportedly intoxicated, was contacted by phone.
Further complications arose when the company discovered a $20,000 deposit was never received, with excuses citing a late wire transfer. Tracking data later revealed the vehicles heading towards the US-Mexico border before their GPS signals were abruptly disabled. Authorities are investigating the complex heist, with the rental company's owners expressing concern about potential car rings and advanced planning by the suspects.
