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A businessman has claimed he was tricked into handing over a one-of-a-kind Ferrari worth nearly GBP 600,000 in exchange for bounced cheques and a fake luxury watch.
The case emerged in Sao Paulo, south-eastern Brazil, after police opened an investigation into the disputed sale involving a rare Ferrari SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano, according to local media reports from 1st June.
Businessman Leonardo Rodrigues said he agreed to the deal last year after being approached by intermediary Carlos Eduardo Barbosa on behalf of luxury market entrepreneur Boris Maciel Padilha from Santa Catarina state in southern Brazil.
According to Leonardo’s lawyer, Clovis Ferreira de Araujo, the agreement involved a Richard Mille watch valued at around BRL 2.5 million (GBP 370,000) and three cheques worth BRL 600,000 (GBP 88,600) each.
Leonardo reportedly handed over the Ferrari trusting Carlos, whom he had known socially for more than a decade.
The businessman said he never had direct contact with Boris during the negotiations.
Suspicions reportedly emerged shortly after the transaction was completed.
The Richard Mille watch was allegedly examined by a specialist who concluded it was counterfeit.
At the same time, the three cheques provided as part of the payment were reportedly returned because of insufficient funds.
Carlos later admitted to police that he had taken part in the negotiation because he owed money to Boris, according to Leonardo’s legal team.
Investigators were also told that Carlos allegedly knew the watch was fake and that the cheques had no funds available.
The case was reported to police in November after Leonardo unsuccessfully tried to recover the Ferrari from the intermediary.
Brazil’s Department of Criminal Investigations launched an inquiry into the case and also requested financial information linked to the investigation from the Council for Financial Activities Control.
During the investigation, Leonardo’s lawyers claimed Boris gave differing accounts regarding the payment arrangements.
A civil court later ordered the Ferrari to be blocked with the vehicle registration authority, preventing any transfer of ownership until proof of payment is presented.
Although the Ferrari remains registered in Leonardo’s name, the vehicle is currently being held by Boris for “safekeeping and conservation” under a court decision.
Leonardo’s legal team has alleged they gathered evidence showing the car had continued to be used and had even been loaned to third parties despite the judicial restrictions.
The Ferrari at the centre of the dispute is described as the only SF90 Stradale Assetto Fiorano in Brazil with its specific configuration, increasing both its value and exclusivity.
Boris’ lawyer, Rafael Maluf, denied any wrongdoing and said the Ferrari transaction occurred directly between Boris and Leonardo “without any complications”.
He added that the bounced cheques and counterfeit Richard Mille watch were linked solely to an earlier business deal between Carlos and Leonardo and had “no connection or interference” involving Boris.
(Marija Stojkoska/Newsflash)
Byline Journalist: Marija Stojkoska
Byline Sub editor: Marija Stojkoska
Byline Spotter: Ivica Stojanovski
Byline Commisioning Editor: Mike Leidig
Byline Senior Writer: Marija Stojkoska
Byline Picture Editor: Joana Mihajlovska
Byline Copychecker: Joana Mihajlovska
Byline Illustrator: Joana Mihajlovska
Byline News Editor: Mike Leidig
Geography: São_Paulo
Subject: Crime, Motoring, Society
T4 Editor Story Rating: 8
T4 Editor Pic/Vid rating: 7
T4 Total rating: 7.5
