Police Arrest 59 and Laid 302 Charges in Massive Auto Theft Ring
- Saturday, November 2nd, 2024 - 11:39 am
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Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw was joined by Superintendent Ron Taverner, Unit Commander of 23 Division, announced the results of Project Thoroughbred, an ongoing investigation into auto thefts and fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) that began in July 2024.
Led by the 23 and 31 Division Auto Suppression Units, this ongoing investigation has so far resulted in the arrest of 59 people and the laying of 302 charges, including numerous counts of using forged documents and possession of stolen property. Project Thoroughbred has also led to the recovery of more than 360 stolen vehicles and the identification of fraudulent VINs.
Chief Demkiw stated, “Project Thoroughbred exemplifies our dedication to combating the persistent issue of auto thefts in our city. This initiative also underscores the critical role of collaboration among various stakeholders in addressing a problem that significantly impacts the safety of our communities. We are committed to continuing our partnership with government and law enforcement agencies to enhance our enforcement efforts and protect our residents.”
Through the collaborative efforts of the Toronto Police Service, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO), and Equité Association, investigators have uncovered a scheme involving the registration of phony VINs by employees of a ServiceOntario location. These fraudulent VINs were used to sell stolen vehicles to unsuspecting buyers at a significant discount.
ServiceOntario employees are alleged to have knowingly used fake documents provided by the accused parties to make it look like VINs were valid. They registered real Ontario licence plates to these fake VINs, and those vehicles were then sold as legitimate, properly plated vehicles.
The investigation also involved the cooperation and assistance of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), York, Durham, and Montreal Police Services, and the Ontario Provincial Police. Investigators have flagged more than 100 falsely registered plates and VINs on police investigative databases.
The success of this ongoing investigation was made possible through funding provided by the Ontario Government, Ministry of the Solicitor General in which the Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario supported this Joint Forces investigation.
The investigation has also revealed the existence of “chop shops” across the city, where stolen vehicles are dismantled and prepared for shipment overseas. Vehicles brought into these facilities are quickly dismantled, making them difficult to trace and reducing the chance of detection.
Additionally, investigators recovered stolen vehicles from shipping containers destined for overseas locations. In partnership with the CBSA, one shipping container containing stolen vehicles was located in Belgium. Those vehicles are in transit back to Canada.
Superintendent Taverner added, “The positive results so far of this project is due to the dedicated work of many members of the Toronto Police Service and our partners, and I want to thank them for their efforts. Our commitment to tackling auto thefts in 23 and 31 divisions, and across the city of Toronto, remains unwavering.”
The value of all recovered stolen vehicles is approximately $14 million and includes both luxury and non-luxury vehicles.
Current Results of Project Thoroughbred:
- Arrests: 59
- Charges laid: 302
- Stolen vehicles seized: 363
- Approximate value of recovered vehicles: $14M
This investigation is ongoing and further charges are anticipated.
When purchasing a used vehicle, police recommend that buyers obtain vehicle history reports. Re-vinned vehicles will often have discrepancies in their vehicle histories such as being the wrong colour or having inconsistent odometer readings.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.
Stolen Tundras in Guelph Recovered in Montreal
Two Toyota Tundra pickups stolen from Guelph recently have been recovered at the Port of Montreal.
One truck was stolen from an east-end driveway the early morning of September 23, and the other from a south-end residence the early morning of October 6.
The Guelph Police Service was notified this week both had been recovered at the Port of Montreal and seized to be returned to their owners’ insurance companies. Both thefts remain under investigation.
The Guelph Police Service encourages residents to take steps to protect themselves from auto theft. This can include parking indoors when possible or in well-lit areas, ensuring vehicle doors and windows are closed and locked, employing anti-theft devices to prevent vehicles from being started or steered and using devices to block signals from electronic keys. Please report suspicious activity around unattended vehicles, especially during overnight hours.
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