Officials New York State arrested several people in connection with a scheme to provide driver’s permits and licenses to applicants who had not passed exams.
On July 2, the New York State Office of Inspector General announced charges against the following New York Department of Motor Vehicles workers as part of a sweeping investigation called “Operation Road Test” that resulted in a 139-count indictment:
- Edward Tarik Queen, 40
- Aji Idicula, 43
- Tianna Rose Andolina, 30
“The state employees indicted here sold out not just the safety of their fellow New Yorkers, but they sold out their oaths of office,” said New York State Inspector General Lucy Lang. “The conduct uncovered in this investigation represents a shocking betrayal of public trust.”
Also charged were employees of T&E driving school, located in Queens:
- Weixan Tan, 38
- Weiwan Tan, 40
- Winnie Yang, 36,
Officials say that the charged individuals took part in a scheme “in which countless individuals were issued driver’s permits and licenses on Staten Island without having to pass the exams. Most, if not all, of the applicants were Chinese immigrants.”
The scheme was discovered after authorities received a tip from within the DMV about irregularities within the testing schedule. An undercover officer with the New York Police Department (NYPD) who speaks Fujianese contacted the driving school. After providing $1600 and a learner’s permit, the officer set up a date to take the road test in Staten Island. However, he was later contacted by the school and told not to show up for the test. He was later issued an official driver’s license from the state DMV.
Here’s how officials say the scheme worked:
“T&E driving school, located on Roosevelt Avenue in Flushing, Queens, would use social media to solicit clients, specifically targeting Chinese immigrants who speak Fujianese, many of whom are not U.S. citizens.
The school charged $1,600 for a license if the applicant already had a permit, or $2,000 for both a learner’s permit and license. An employee for the school would then either take the exams and road tests posing as the applicants, or the DMV examiners being paid off would bypass the tests and issue the permits and licenses.
The DMV workers were being compensated for their participation, though it is unclear how much, authorities noted.“
“As alleged, the defendants utilized deceptive social media practices and strategic advertising that targeted and exploited members of the Chinese community, and guaranteed individuals driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status, language, and even their ability to actually operate a vehicle,” said Homeland Security Investigations New York Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel.
Authorities have raised national security concerns for airplanes and certain building that require a state-issued license to access.
At this time, officials aren’t sure how many T&E students received fraudulent licenses.
Drivers who knowingly obtained a fraudulent license are also subject to legal ramifications and are encouraged to come forward.
“It would go a long way in mitigating the punishment they might face,” said District Attorney Michael E. McMahon.
Agencies contributing to the investigation include the New York State Inspector General, U.S. Postal inspector, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Homeland Security Investigations and NYPD.
