News Summary
Two employees from Bul Auto Sales in Jacksonville, including owner Vladimir Rangelov and salesman Igor Westerman, face felony charges for orchestrating a fraudulent scheme that exploited victims out of nearly $1 million. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office linked at least nine victims to the dealership, with significant losses tied to luxury vehicle transactions that never materialized. Bul Auto Sales has since closed, and investigations are ongoing, including a separate case in Albany, New York, as authorities urge additional victims to come forward.
Jacksonville – Two employees of a car dealership in Jacksonville have been arrested for their alleged involvement in a fraudulent scheme that reportedly swindled victims out of nearly $1 million. Vladimir Anguelov Rangelov, 48, the owner of Bul Auto Sales, and 28-year-old Igor David Westerman, a lead salesman, are facing multiple felony charges stemming from this organized fraud case.
The arrests were executed by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Economic Crimes Unit, which has uncovered a series of complaints from victims who made substantial payments for luxury vehicles that were never properly titled or registered. Among the vehicles implicated in the fraud are a 2019 Chevy Corvette ZR1, a 1994 Porsche 911, and a 2022 McLaren 720S.
Throughout the investigation, authorities identified at least nine victims, with losses totaling nearly $1 million. Payments were reportedly made via Bring a Trailer auctions or directly to the dealership. Specific instances include a victim who paid $235,000 for a Corvette, another who wired approximately $92,000 for a Range Rover, and a third who lost $211,000 on a McLaren.
In addition, Rangelov was linked to a separate loan agreement involving a $300,000 Rolls-Royce that also went unfulfilled. Following these alarming developments, Bul Auto Sales has since closed its doors and filed for bankruptcy, as confirmed by legal representatives.
Rangelov faces three felonies: dealing in stolen property via the internet, organized fraud, and obtaining a motor vehicle with fraudulent intent. His bail is set at over $125,000, and he is required to wear a GPS monitor if released before trial. Westerman, on the other hand, is facing similar charges, with his bond set at $70,000.
The timeline for these alleged fraudulent activities spans from late 2024 to mid-2025. Both Rangelov and Westerman are scheduled for court hearings in the upcoming weeks. Furthermore, a second location for Bul Auto Sales in Albany, New York, is also under investigation for related allegations of fraud.
Reports have emerged from customers claiming losses ranging from $250,000 to $560,000, reinforcing the scope of the deception. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is reportedly conducting its investigation into Bul Auto Sales, although it maintains a policy of neither confirming nor denying active inquiries.
The dealership abruptly ceased operations in mid-June, leaving many customers, banks, and lenders struggling to recover their vehicles and funds. Videos circulating online show law enforcement and representatives trying to seize vehicles believed to have been sold multiple times or used as collateral for fraudulent loans.
As this case unfolds, victims are urged to report their experiences to law enforcement to aid in the ongoing investigation. The economic fallout from this fraudulent scheme not only affects the immediate victims but also raises concerns about the broader accountability within the car sales industry.
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Additional Resources
- WOKV: Jacksonville Car Dealership Owner and Salesman Arrested
- News4JAX: Owner and Manager Arrested on Fraud Charges
- WNYT: High-End Car Dealership Owner Arrested
- Action News JAX: Exotic Car Dealership Owner Arrested
- Times Union: Bul Auto Owner Arrested Amid Fraud
- Wikipedia: Fraud
- Google Search: Jacksonville car dealership fraud
- Google Scholar: Car dealership fraud
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Fraud
- Google News: Jacksonville dealership fraud
Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
