Rogue car dealer prosecuted following a series of offences

23 July 2025

A rogue car dealer who used fake identities and forged documents to deceive customers has been sentenced to 12-months imprisonment, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay a total of £18,000 in victim compensation and costs.

West Northamptonshire Council’s Trading Standards carried out an investigation of Mr Ionut Olaru, who previously lived in Daventry but now resides in Milton Keynes, following three complaints from individuals who had bought vehicles from him on Auto Trader.

Sentencing him at Northampton Crown Court, Recorder Mary Prior KC said Mr Olaru had used a series of false names to advertise cars for sale which appeared to be too good to be true, with attractive mileage and reasonable years.

"You would in those circumstances agree a cost for the vehicle but in the interim, you would find and provide a different car, with a higher mileage, and you would combine that with forged MOT and service histories, which suggested, again, that the vehicle was a good purchase. The vehicles would be the same year, same, colour, but of significantly less value.

“Each of the people who you defrauded lost, what was for them, a significant amount of income”Recorder Mary Prior KC

Mr Olaru insisted on cash payments to avoid detection and supplied false names and addresses to both Auto Trader and the victims. 

Once Mr Olaru was identified a warrant was executed at his home, and after an initial not-guilty plea, a two-week trial was set.

Two weeks before the trial was due to commence, Mr Olaru pleaded guilty to seven counts of fraud by false representation. As well as the suspended sentence, he was also ordered to undertake 15 rehabilitation days and complete 150 hours of unpaid work.

“Cracking down on those who commit these types of offences is a key priority for the Council going forward. This case delivers a firm warning: fraud will be met with zero tolerance in our communities. We will pursue those who exploit honest residents and undermine public trust, and we will ensure they are held to account.”Cllr Laura Couse, WNC’s Cabinet Member for Adult Care, Public Health and Regulatory Services

Advice on buying used cars is available at Buying a used car - Citizens Advice.