As investigators probe the disappearance of cars removed from Baltimore City’s impound lot without owners’ consent, the absence of the stolen cars from the city’s auction list raises questions about how vital automobile information was acquired by alleged thieves.

Charging documents allege conspirators obtained the vehicle identification numbers of several vehicles, including from a 2003 Volkswagen Passat and a 2004 Dodge Ram truck from the city’s twice monthly auction notice, from the city’s Web site listing unclaimed vehicles eligible for public auction. The auction list includes the make, model and VIN of the cars for sale.