A 20-year-old Sydney driver is facing multiple charges after allegedly being caught driving a car decorated to look like a Chinese police vehicle. He also allegedly had firearms and ammunition in his possession.
NSW Police stopped the black sedan on Everton Road in Strathfield on Friday during a routine inspection. Officers noticed the car had markings similar to Chinese police insignia, but with a spelling error—the word “POILCE” was printed across the bonnet alongside Chinese characters.
The driver, a P-plater, allegedly showed officers a disability pass and then presented false documents claiming the vehicle was used to transport Chinese consulate officials.
Firearms and Ammunition Found
During a search of the car, police allegedly found a box containing 48 live rounds of ammunition in the boot. The driver reportedly told officers he thought the boot was the best place to store it.
Police later searched the man’s home in Baulkham Hills, where they seized two gel blaster firearms and his registered firearms, pending a review of his firearms licence.
Facing Serious Charges
The 20-year-old has been charged with several offences, including impersonating a public official, displaying unauthorised police insignia, failing to display P-plates, and firearms storage offences. He has been granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Burwood Local Court on Tuesday.
Penalties for Impersonating Police
In New South Wales, impersonating a police officer is a criminal offence. It carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison or a fine of up to $11,000. If the offence involves using fake police powers, such as stopping vehicles or making arrests, the penalty can increase to seven years in prison.
This is not the first case of police impersonation in Australia. Authorities have warned in the past about fake police vehicles and individuals using fake badges or uniforms to trick the public.
