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DMV Uses New Tech to Crack Down on Emissions Fraud

Investigators Used Real-Time Monitoring to Catch Suspect

LAS VEGAS - Investigators from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) have arrested Alejandro Dominguez De La Peña after conducting surveillance at a local emissions testing station related to a fraud scheme.

DMV officers arrested De La Peña, 26, on February 28, 2024, while he was driving a customer’s vehicle to the smog station to obtain a passing test on a vehicle which could not pass a state emissions test.

De La Peña is alleged to have used an emulation device to trick emissions testing equipment into providing passing test results on vehicles that were illegally modified or unable to pass legitimately. De La Peña initially tried to conceal the emulator from investigators in the pants of his six-year-old brother, who was in the vehicle with him.

With recent programming changes made to the DMV’s Vehicle Identification Database, offices were able to utilize real-time fraud detection techniques to geolocate the station performing the tests and apprehend this perpetrator as well as seize the vehicle involved in the scheme.

The garage employing De La Peña and the emissions station involved in the incident both face additional fines and the permanent revocation of their licenses.

“Emissions fraud hurts everyone equally by contributing to poor air quality,” said J.D. Decker, chief of the DMV's Compliance Enforcement Division. “Vehicles on our roads which can’t pass emissions tests or obtain valid registrations are often found to also lack insurance or pose a safety hazard to other motorists, putting everyone at risk.”

De La Peña was booked into the Clark County Detention Center and charged with Forgery, Destroying/Concealing Evidence, Violating Vehicle Emission Laws/Regulations, and Make/Issue/Use Counterfeit Evidence of Compliance.

The DMV's Compliance Enforcement Division investigates violations committed by dealers, repair garages, emissions stations, driving schools, or any other businesses that must be licesnsed with the DMV. With improvements made possible by our Department Transportation Effort, our investigators can start work on cases faster than ever before.

To file an online complaint, please visit the Compliance Enforcement Division web page.

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