Kansas City Man Arrested for Allegedly Selling and Stealing Cars on Facebook Marketplace

Mamadou Diallo, a 24-year-old man from Kansas City, Missouri, has been arrested and faces 14 felony charges for allegedly running a scheme on Facebook Marketplace where he sold stolen vehicles and then stole them back from unsuspecting buyers. The Jackson County Prosecutor, Melesa Johnson, announced that Diallo is charged with six counts of first-degree tampering with a motor vehicle and eight counts of forgery. If convicted on all counts, he could face up to 98 years in prison.

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Between May and June 2025, the Kansas City Police Department received eight reports of stolen vehicles, all following a similar pattern. Victims reported purchasing either a 2013 gray Honda Civic or a 2013 brown Buick Verano from a seller using the alias "YabebaI Cherinet." After meeting in person and paying in cash, buyers received what appeared to be legitimate titles and bills of sale. However, many victims discovered their vehicles were stolen within 24 hours of the purchase.

Man sold cars on Facebook Marketplace only steal them from the new owners hours later, police say

The alleged scam involved Diallo selling the same vehicles multiple times. Victims identified him in police line-ups, and one victim even captured CCTV footage of Diallo returning to steal her vehicle shortly after the sale. The total estimated loss for the victims is around $24,000. Diallo, when interviewed by police, denied any involvement in selling vehicles on Facebook Marketplace, stating, "I was unaware of anything to do with selling vehicles."

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Diallo is currently in custody at the Jackson County Detention Center, held on a $30,000 cash-only bond. He has additional warrants for failing to appear in court and holds from sheriff's offices in Johnson County, Kansas; Johnson County, Missouri; and Platte County, Missouri. His next court appearance is scheduled for January 27, 2026, for a bond-review hearing.

Kansas City man accused of selling cars on Facebook, then stealing them back

Prosecutor Melesa Johnson emphasized the growing trend of scams targeting individuals through online platforms like Facebook Marketplace. She advised potential buyers to be vigilant, stating, "If something looks too good to be true, it most likely is." Johnson also highlighted the community's responsibility to remain cautious during online transactions.

Kansas City man accused of selling cars on Facebook, then stealing them back

While Johnson refrained from victim-shaming, she acknowledged the need for buyers to be diligent. Victims of Diallo's scheme expressed feelings of violation and urged others to verify vehicle identification numbers (VINs) and consider meeting in safe locations, such as police stations, when making purchases.

Man accused of selling cars on Facebook Marketplace, then stealing them back

• “As technology evolves, crime usually follows suit,” — Melesa Johnson, Jackson County Prosecutor

Kansas City man accused of selling cars on Facebook, then stealing them back

• “I will never be in the business of victim shaming at all. However, we do not want to add to our victimization or contribute to our victimization. Is it fair? Absolutely not. But is it what this moment in time requires and calls for? Unfortunately, yes.” — Melesa Johnson, Jackson County Prosecutor

Kansas City man accused of selling cars on Facebook, then stealing them back

This case underscores the importance of caution in online transactions, as scammers increasingly exploit platforms like Facebook Marketplace.

Kansas City man accused of selling cars on Facebook, then stealing them back