Several New York DMV workers and driving school employees were arrested this week for giving out real driver’s licenses to people who never took or passed the required tests.

What happened: State and federal officials say workers at a DMV office in Staten Island teamed up with T&E Driving School in Queens to hand out permits and licenses, mostly to Chinese immigrants, for thousands of dollars each.

• The driving school advertised on social media. If you had money, you could get a license, even if you spoke no English, weren’t a U.S. citizen, or couldn’t drive.
• Some applicants didn’t show up for their tests at all but still received legitimate New York licenses.
• DMV examiners were paid off to look the other way and fake test results.

The numbers: The case led to a 139-count indictment. Authorities collected 150 questionable permits and charged at least six people, including government workers and driving school staff.

Why it matters: Officials said this scheme makes New York roads less safe and raises security issues for sensitive locations that require state ID, according to the Office of the Inspector General.

Those who got licenses this way could also face legal trouble. The next court date for some of the accused is set for September 3.