At a recent media conference held at the Toronto Police Service headquarters, 53 Division Inspector Heather Nicols and Detective Daniel Kraehling revealed the outcomes of Project Poacher, a comprehensive investigation into an auto theft and re-vinning operation. The investigation has led to four arrests, 28 charges, and the seizure of over 100 stolen vehicles, valued at approximately $9.5 million.
Initiated in January 2024 by the 53 Division Major Crime Unit, the project aimed to dismantle a suspected auto theft ring involved in re-vinning vehicles across the city. As the investigation unfolded, it was discovered that the suspects were collaborating with a ServiceOntario employee who provided “clean” vehicle documents and plates for stolen cars, enabling their sale to unsuspecting buyers.
Details of the Operation
- The Scheme: The accused provided “clean” VINs to the ServiceOntario employee, often from vehicles sold and exported out of Canada. In return for payments, the employee created new vehicle registrations and plates. These “clean” VINs were then placed on stolen vehicles, which were subsequently sold as legitimate used cars or used in further crimes.
- Scope: In May 2024, seven Criminal Code search warrants were executed on various properties, leading to the recovery of numerous stolen and re-vinned vehicles, along with documents and electronics used in the operation.
Seized Assets
Among the seized vehicles, 21 luxury cars were re-vinned and valued at approximately $1.8 million. The total worth of the more than 100 recovered vehicles stands at about $9.5 million.
Community Impact
The success of Project Poacher not only highlights the effectiveness of coordinated law enforcement efforts but also underscores the need for vigilant monitoring of vehicle registrations to prevent such fraudulent activities. This operation marks a significant step towards curbing auto theft and ensuring consumer protection in Toronto.
Auto Theft in Canada
Canada ranks among the top 10 countries worldwide for hits received via the SMV database this year, among 137 connected countries according to INTERPOL. The issue became so grave that Canadian government recently unveiled a new plan to combat auto theft.