Five arrests over French driving licence scam

Police have broken up a criminal gang responsible for helping as many as 600 motorists in and around Marseille get their driving licences without passing a key part of their tests.

The group were arrested after a scam was uncovered in which people posing as candidates took the theoretical part of the driving test. After the pass mark for this section had been achieved, the real person then took the practical test.

Those taking the Highway Code tests in place of the real candidates carried identification papers. Police believe the scam was in operation for about 18 months before it was spotted, and said that each candidate was charged thousands of euros.

Five people have been arrested in Marseille, Nice and the Var, for fraud in connection with the case. Two have been remanded into custody, while three are on police bail. Police are now tracking down the motorists who are driving with the illegally obtained licences.