A man was discovered cheating on his driving theory test after paying someone from Instagram to take it on his behalf. Drilon Hasaj, aged 30, admitted to providing his provisional license for the fraudulent act. The scheme was exposed through CCTV footage at the Uxbridge test center in west London.
Hasaj was handed a 12-month community order and a fine of £1,653 at Highbury Magistrates’ Court. He had contacted an Instagram account to arrange for a substitute to sit the test. Despite the successful completion of the exam by the stand-in person, the fraud was detected by the DVSA’s counter fraud team.
Following investigations, Hasaj was charged with fraud offenses and confessed to the crime. During the court proceedings, prosecutors sought a prison sentence, but his defense solicitor emphasized Hasaj’s admission of guilt and lack of prior criminal behavior.
The defense argued that Hasaj’s primary role as the breadwinner for his family, including young twins, should be taken into consideration. The magistrates ruled a community order and 15 rehabilitation activity days, with a focus on improving his decision-making skills, as the appropriate penalty. Despite the seriousness of the offense, the court decided against imposing unpaid work hours due to his family responsibilities.