A large auto theft crime ring in Ontario has been dismantled.
The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) reported on Wednesday that 134 charges, including organized crime and money laundering, have been laid against 20 suspects from the Toronto area, following the theft of 306 vehicles in Ontario and the illegal exportation of stolen vehicles through freight companies.
Police said the stolen vehicles, worth a total of $25 million, were destined for foreign markets, such as the Middle East and West Africa, and have been recovered.
The OPP noted the accused included owners and operators of several registered businesses within the freight sector, as well as individuals allegedly involved in the theft of vehicles across Ontario.
"Today we have sent a clear message: Ontario will not be a source for criminal profit," said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique.
According to the OPP, the investigation began in August 2023. Shipping containers were inspected in transit at the Port of Montréal, the Port of Vancouver, and the Port of Halifax in an effort to halt the shipment of stolen vehicles by the suspected crime ring.
Police added that search warrants were executed in the Toronto area in October, and $30,000 in Canadian currency was seized. Also seized were a vehicle that had its Vehicle Identification Number altered, key programmers, and various Ontario licence plates.
Search warrants were also executed in November at 23 residential and industrial locations and 13 vehicles in the Toronto area and Québec.
