Auckland resident Rohinel Prasad, 20, received six months of home detention and a two-year driving disqualification after leading police on a high-speed chase through Auckland while attempting to evade capture for a series of Facebook Marketplace scams. The case, heard in the Christchurch District Court, highlights a growing trend of online fraud and the risks associated with private sales facilitated through social media platforms.
Prasad’s offending began in January 2025, targeting individuals selling vehicles on Facebook Marketplace. He repeatedly presented fake bank transfer confirmations as proof of payment, securing the keys to cars before disappearing with them. The scam wasn’t limited to vehicles; Prasad also used the same method to obtain a PlayStation and a cellphone, defrauding victims of a total of $1300.
The pursuit that ultimately led to Prasad’s arrest unfolded in the early hours of April 11, 2025. After police spotted a vehicle linked to his earlier scams on the Southern Motorway in Epsom, Prasad accelerated, reaching speeds exceeding 160km/h in a 100km/h zone. A police helicopter tracked his movements as he weaved through Auckland suburbs, at times driving on the wrong side of the road and nearly colliding with oncoming traffic, according to court documents.
From Facebook Marketplace to High-Speed Pursuit
The initial scam involved a car offered for sale for $2200 in Stanmore Bay. Prasad arrived in a stolen vehicle, presenting a fabricated bank transfer as proof of payment. The victim, trusting the seemingly legitimate transaction, handed over the keys, intending to complete the ownership transfer once the funds appeared in their account. They never did. Prasad also presented a fake driver’s license during this initial encounter.
This pattern continued in Weymouth, where a victim was defrauded of $6500 and again in Papatoetoe, where Prasad secured a car valued at $3950 using the same deceptive tactic. Between March and May 2025, he extended his fraudulent activities to include the purchase of a $650 PlayStation and a $650 cellphone from addresses in Flat Bush and Papatoetoe.
The escalating nature of Prasad’s actions caught the attention of law enforcement. After the initial scams, police identified the vehicle as stolen and attempted a traffic stop. This led to the dangerous pursuit that spanned multiple Auckland suburbs, including Penrose, Onehunga, and Māngere. Police eventually deployed road spikes in Māngere, bringing the chase to an finish. Prasad and an associate attempted to flee on foot but were quickly apprehended.
“Young and Dumb” – The Judge’s Assessment
During sentencing, District Court Judge Tom Gilbert described Prasad as “young and dumb” and “out of control.” He acknowledged that Prasad had spent seven weeks in custody and had been living with his father in Christchurch under electronic monitoring, suggesting a positive shift in his circumstances. The judge noted Prasad’s remorse and his claim that he had fallen in with the wrong crowd.
While the starting point for sentencing was set at two and a half years’ imprisonment, Judge Gilbert applied discounts based on Prasad’s youth, remorse, and the circumstances surrounding the case. He also took into account the time Prasad had already spent in custody and under electronic bail. Prasad was sentenced to six months’ home detention and ordered to pay $1300 in reparation for the stolen PlayStation and cellphone.
“If you come again, you will go to jail,” Judge Gilbert warned Prasad, signaling the seriousness of his offenses and the potential consequences of future criminal activity. The judge’s comments suggest a desire to provide Prasad with an opportunity for rehabilitation, but also a firm stance against further offending.
The Growing Risk of Online Scams
This case underscores the increasing prevalence of scams facilitated through online marketplaces like Facebook. While these platforms offer convenience and accessibility, they also present opportunities for fraudulent activity. Consumers are urged to exercise caution when engaging in private sales online, verifying payment confirmations directly with their bank and avoiding the transfer of goods until funds have cleared. Consumer NZ offers detailed advice on avoiding online scams.
The police continue to investigate online fraud and encourage victims to report incidents to authorities. Reporting scams not only helps law enforcement track down offenders but also contributes to raising awareness and preventing future victimization. The New Zealand Police website provides resources for reporting fraud and staying safe online.
Prasad’s case serves as a cautionary tale for both buyers and sellers utilizing online marketplaces. It highlights the importance of vigilance, verification, and a healthy dose of skepticism when conducting transactions with strangers online. The incident also raises questions about the responsibility of social media platforms in mitigating the risk of fraud on their sites.
The next step in this case will be Prasad’s adherence to the terms of his home detention and the completion of his reparation payments. His continued progress will be monitored by authorities, and any violation of his sentence could result in further legal consequences. We will continue to follow this story as it develops.
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