A Volkswagen Saveiro pickup truck that was stolen more than 20 years ago was recovered by the Federal Highway Police (PRF) in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
The vehicle, stolen in October 2004 in São Paulo, was found during a routine stop. According to PRF, the pickup was being driven with signs of tampering, such as altered license plates and chassis number.
The 35-year-old driver claimed to have bought the Saveiro for US$1,800 about a year ago but did not present any documents proving the purchase. The pickup showed body damage and modifications to identification elements, which constitutes a crime of tampering and receiving stolen goods under Brazilian Penal Code. The driver and other occupants were taken to the police station and may face up to 10 years in prison.
The recovered model belongs to the special Fun series, launched in 2001, and featured items considered sophisticated for the time, such as power steering, alloy wheels, and fog lights. Even with the low price paid for the vehicle, well-preserved examples of this version can be worth nearly ten times more.
PRF reported that they were unable to contact the original owner and highlighted that cases like this, although rare, are not unprecedented. In June, a Corsa stolen in 1999 was also recovered after more than two decades.
Source: UOL | Photo: Federal Highway Police – MG | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
