Two DPS employees arrested after internal investigation

Dallas - The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has revealed that 11 individuals, including two DPS staff members, were arrested in connection with a fraudulent vehicle emissions test scheme near Dallas. According to Dallas Metro News, the operation involved "clean scanning," a process in which a vehicle's emissions test is carried out using a different VIN number than the actual vehicle being inspected, resulting in a deceptive passing score.

As part of an extensive investigation into suspected illegal activities at vehicle inspection stations across the state, DPS apprehended two of its own employees on August 18. Surveillance operations were conducted by members of the Regulatory Services Division, DPS' Criminal Investigations Division, and the Texas Highway Patrol, leading to several arrests.

On April 26, 2023, five people were arrested. During the investigation, it was discovered that two department employees had provided insider information to the inspection stations in exchange for money, aiding them in evading detection.

These two DPS employees were later arrested by the Texas Rangers on August 18 and are currently facing charges of engaging in organized crime. Both employees have been temporarily suspended while the criminal and administrative inquiries progress.

Additionally, four non-DPS employees were taken into custody, and potential charges related to their involvement in the scheme are pending.

The DPS has stated that this investigation is still ongoing, and further arrests and charges are anticipated.

Credit: Dallas Metro News, Texas Department of Public Safety