EDINBURGH — An Edinburgh automotive scrap metal company has been ordered to pay a nearly $2.6 million fine after being accused of purchasing thousands of catalytic converters without a license.
The license for G Unit Core Inc., 1015 S. Walnut Street, has been revoked following an investigation that was conducted between Jan. 5, 2023, and Sept. 11, 2023. That investigation found that the company had purchased at least one detached catalytic converter without having the necessary documentation, according to a notice filed Nov. 13 by the Auto Dealer Services Division of the Indiana Secretary of State’s Office.
G Unit Core received a notice of violation because of this on Oct. 4, 2023. The company was also warned that any future purchases without the required documentation would lead to an enforcement action.
However, the Secretary of State’s office says G Unit Core continued operating despite having its salvage recycler’s license expire on May 1 of this year, doing so “willfully.” The company allegedly purchased a total of 2,591 detached catalytic converters despite having an expired license, only obtaining a law enforcement affidavit in connection with three of these purchases, according to the Nov. 13 notice.
Each violation carried with it a $1,000 civil penalty, bringing the total amount owed to $2.588 million. G Unit Core has been ordered to pay this full amount within 30 days of receipt of the Nov. 13 notice. Failure to do so will result in a bond claim being submitted against them, the notice says.
The same notice informed the company their license had been revoked and application for another license had been denied.
Additionally, the company and its owners have been permanently barred from “ever applying for, obtaining, or operating as a transport operator, dealer, dealer manager, or having similar status or performing similar functions as a dealer, or be directly or indirectly in control of a dealer in the state of Indiana,” the notice says.
”Our office is dedicated to protecting Indiana consumers and ensuring that businesses operate with transparency and abide by statutory requirements. We will not hesitate to take strong action against those who fail to comply with state laws to the great expense of Hoosiers and the integrity of our economy,” said Diego Morales, Indiana Secretary of State, in a news release. “This fine and license revocation sends a clear message that illegal auto salvage and recycling practices will not be tolerated in Indiana. This enforcement action is a reminder that businesses must play by the rules.”
G Unit Core and its owners have the option to appeal the decision through the Indiana State Office of Administrative Law Proceedings within 30 days of receiving it.
The $2.5 million fine, if collected, will be directed to further consumer protection and regulatory enforcement efforts, the Secretary of State’s office said.
