Innocent Melbourne motorists allegedly bashed by thieves posing as 'fake cops'

Innocent Melbourne motorists have allegedly been tied up and beaten by ruthless thieves posing as police to steal luxury cars.

One victim exclusively told 9News he was forced to run for his life after being allegedly threatened at gunpoint.

Richard George was driving home through the deserted city after work at 2am, when he was pulled over by a car with flashing red and blue lights.

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They asked Mr George for ID and pretended to call for backup.

Little did the victim know, it was an ambush.

"They had gloves on and stuff, they acted like normal police officers," he said.

"They had gear on, they had torches."

However, the act was over when the 24-year-old was left with a fractured eye socket and a broken nose.

Dragged from his Audi, two men allegedly bashed him and threatened him with a gun.

"For me, I just had to get out of there," Mr George said.

The financial consultant was pulled over on Brunton Avenue near the MCG on December 17.

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He was told his car was suspected of being involved in a hit-run.

The men - driving a Nissan X-Trail - claimed to be plainclothes detectives.

They asked for his licence and questioned whether he'd been drinking.

"Obviously I was complying," Mr George said.

"I wasn't really thinking I'm going to be pulled over by fake police."

The men then allegedly assaulted the 24-year-old and forced themselves into his Audi A5.

Police said the pair have used the car to terrorise more innocent motorists.

On Boxing Day, a driver was pulled over by a black sedan flashing its lights in Mickleham.

He was forced to the ground, his hands bound and his blue Audi stolen.

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Five hours later, a motorist in Box Hill was stopped, with the driver claiming two men shouted "show me your hands" before speeding off at 180km/h.

Police tracked both stolen Audis to a motel in Parkdale, where they arrested a 29-year-old man earlier this month.

Detectives allege they uncovered weapons and drugs inside the cars, including a gel blaster handgun, a butterfly knife, ice and cocaine.

Shaun Tantrum was charged with multiple offences, including impersonating police which has a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

His 19-year-old co-accused, Noah Giuliano, was arrested and then bailed on Thursday.

Investigators believe there could be more victims.