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A Brooklyn man has been sentenced after pleading guilty to running a multi-state fake license plate operation that authorities say helped fuel the rise of so-called “ghost cars” on New York roads.
The case highlights a growing enforcement concern for state officials, who say fraudulent temporary plates are increasingly used to evade tolls, traffic enforcement, and vehicle registration laws across the region.
The announcement was first detailed in a press release published via NYC Newswire, citing action from New York Attorney General Letitia James and multiple law enforcement agencies.
According to investigators, the scheme was run by 28-year-old Tyheem Evans of Brooklyn, who used Instagram to advertise and sell forged temporary license plates to customers across New York and several other states.
Authorities say Evans sold more than 50 fake temporary plates over the course of more than a year, charging up to $210 per plate and claiming they were valid nationwide.
“The defendant pleaded guilty and was sentenced today for using social media to advertise and sell forged temporary license plates for a fee to more than four dozen customers,” said DOI Commissioner Nadia I. Shihata.
Evans pleaded guilty in Kings County Criminal Court to felony criminal possession of a forged instrument and received a conditional discharge and community service.
Officials say the Brooklyn fake plate scheme contributed to a broader public safety issue involving untraceable vehicles commonly referred to as “ghost cars.”
These vehicles can evade toll systems, traffic enforcement, and accountability in crashes or criminal investigations.
Fraudulent temporary plates also hide whether a vehicle is properly registered or insured, raising concerns among transportation and law enforcement agencies.
“I want to commend the work of our DMV investigators and the collaboration with the Attorney General’s office,” said DMV Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt. “We will find you and you will be held responsible for your actions.”
Investigators say Evans operated an Instagram account, @DMVTemps, where he marketed 30-day, 60-day, and 90-day fake temporary plates.
Customers reportedly submitted vehicle details, including make, model, year, and VIN, through direct messages before paying through digital payment platforms.
Once payment was received, Evans allegedly sent forged documents as PDF files to buyers.
Authorities say the operation ran from April 2022 through September 2023 and involved customers across multiple states, including California, Texas, Georgia, and New Jersey.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said the case reflects ongoing efforts to crack down on fraudulent vehicle schemes that undermine roadway safety and public trust.
“Tyheem Evans defrauded drivers and the DMV with a petty scheme to line his own pockets while making our roads less safe,” said Attorney General Letitia James.
She added that the case underscores the importance of using official DMV registration channels and avoiding unofficial online sellers.
The case was investigated jointly by the Office of the Attorney General, the New York City Department of Investigation, and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.
Officials say coordinated enforcement is critical in identifying and stopping fraud networks that operate across digital platforms.
Authorities emphasized that the case is part of a wider crackdown on illegal vehicle documentation schemes that impact toll revenue, insurance compliance, and roadway enforcement.
State officials say they will continue expanding enforcement against forged license plate schemes and similar digital fraud operations.
Agencies are also increasing monitoring of online platforms where illegal vehicle documentation is advertised and sold.
The case is expected to be used as a reference point for future prosecutions involving “ghost car” enforcement and social media-based fraud networks.
Additional details were first outlined in a press release published via NYC Newswire.
What is a “ghost car”?
A ghost car is a vehicle using fake or untraceable license plates that cannot be easily linked to registration, tolls, or enforcement systems.
How was the Brooklyn fake plate scheme operated?
Authorities say the scheme used Instagram to sell forged temporary plates, with payments collected digitally and fake documents sent electronically.
What penalties did the defendant receive?
The Brooklyn man pleaded guilty and received a conditional discharge and 100 hours of community service.
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