Alix Aljilani: Thornlie man fined thousands after selling vehicles without dealer’s licence

A Thornlie man has been fined more than $40,000 after he was caught out by the industry watchdog trading cars without a seller’s license.

The Armadale Magistrates Court handed Alix Aljilani a whopping $47,600 after Consumer Protection WA discovered he had deliberately decided not to renew his dealer’s licence and went on to buy and sell more than 100 cars over six months.

He was convicted of breaching the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act on two charges of buying and selling 103 cars between January and July last year. However, his license had expired in December 2021.

In handing down the penalty, Magistrate Mahon described the case as unusual, given Mr Aljilani had previously been a car dealer who knew the licensing requirements, yet he had chosen not to comply.

Consumer Protection Commissioner Trish Blake said the sizeable penalty reflected the serious nature of the offence and warned that more prosecutions would follow.

“Unlicensed car dealing is illegal and a real danger to the community, as the vehicles sold can be riddled with problems, and it can be difficult for consumers to exercise their rights to a remedy,” Ms Blake said.

“The licensing system ensures that only fit and proper people can work in the motor vehicle dealing industry. If you sell or exchange four or more vehicles in any 12-month period to or with people who are not dealers, you’re carrying on a business and need to be licensed.

“Anyone currently operating as a car dealer who thinks they can sell motor vehicles outside of the licensing system and escape that scrutiny needs to think again — Consumer Protection investigators will find you, and we will prosecute.

“Mr Aljilani knew the rules, yet he showed a flagrant disregard for the law when he decided to keep selling vehicles for more than six months after his dealer’s licence had expired.”

The industry watchdog has urged the public to keep an eye out for unlicensed motor vehicle dealers and to report them.

Motor vehicle buyers can ask to see a dealer’s licence or use Consumer Protection’s Licence and Registration. Search at www.consumerprotection.wa.gov.au.

Unlicensed motor vehicle dealers can be reported via email at consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or by phone at 1300 30 40 54.