Vehicle cloning in Alto Paraná: an emerging serious social problem

Abstract

This research analyzes the phenomenon of vehicle cloning in Alto Paraná, Paraguay, as a social and legal issue of growing relevance. The objective is to examine the modalities of this criminal practice, its consequences for legitimate owners and good-faith purchasers, as well as the legal implications arising from its detection and criminal prosecution. Regarding the method, the study adopts a qualitative approach, with a descriptive type and explanatory scope, and a non-experimental, cross-sectional design, aimed at analyzing reality as it presents itself during the period 2025–2026. Data collection was carried out through interviews with prosecutors and police officers, complemented by documentary analysis of current regulations, institutional reports, and specific cases. The results were examined using qualitative categorization techniques. Among the main findings, it is observed that numerous victims acquire cloned vehicles in good faith, and the overlapping of license plates and registration records generates confusion in police and judicial procedures, affecting the legitimate owner's presumption of innocence. Furthermore, weaknesses are evidenced in vehicle registration and verification controls, as well as in interinstitutional coordination. It is concluded that vehicle cloning constitutes not only a criminal offense but also a social problem that undermines legal security and public trust in institutions. Accordingly, this study proposes strengthening registration oversight mechanisms, incorporating more secure vehicle identification technologies, and adopting regulatory reforms to enable a more effective response to this expanding criminal modality.