OPP Busts Car Theft Ring, ServiceOntario Employees Charged

Press release

After a two-year investigation, Ontario Provincial Police announced this week that 28 people have been charged with 242 offences related to a vehicle theft and resale ring which was operating mainly within the province.

Police say they recovered 214 vehicles valued at more than $12 million, thanks to "Project MYRA.” The investigation, which started in September 2020, revealed that three criminal organizations were active in this particular theft ring, along with the help of ServiceOntario employees.

They fraudulently modified vehicle identification numbers (VIN) to facilitate the transfer of stolen vehicles through private sales.

Photo: OPP

According to the CBC, the OPP recovered a variety of vehicles from a wide range of makes and models, including a Lamborghini Urus, an Acura NSX, an Audi RS6 Avant, a Mercedes-Benz G-Class, a Honda Civic Type R, a Ford F-150 Raptor, and many other vehicles.

One of the organizations was responsible for registering the re-vinned vehicles in Saskatchewan and then reselling them through private sales.

Police also seized six firearms, large amounts of drugs, more than $160,000 in cash, two money counters, and two laser marking machines.

Police strongly recommends avoiding sellers who refuse to provide identification during the private sale of a pre-owned vehicle.

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