In a major bust, police have recovered nearly 600 stolen vehicles at the Port of Montreal, with the majority of them being stolen from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
According to authorities, the vehicles were discovered during a routine inspection of a shipping container at the port. The container, which was bound for overseas, was found to contain 592 stolen vehicles, including cars, trucks, and motorcycles.
The investigation, which began in January, involved collaboration between the Montreal Police Service, the Canada Border Services Agency, and the Ontario Provincial Police. It was revealed that the stolen vehicles were being shipped to various countries, including Africa, Europe, and the Middle East.
Police believe that the vehicles were stolen from the GTA and then transported to Montreal, where they were loaded onto shipping containers. The thieves used fraudulent documents to make it appear as though the vehicles were being exported legally.
Authorities have stated that the recovered vehicles have an estimated value of over $9 million. They also believe that this bust has disrupted a major international vehicle theft ring.
“This is a significant seizure that has disrupted a criminal network involved in the theft and exportation of stolen vehicles,” said Montreal Police Inspector, Jean-Francois Brisebois.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are working to identify the individuals involved in the theft and exportation of the vehicles. They are also urging anyone with information to come forward.
This bust serves as a reminder for vehicle owners to take precautions to protect their vehicles from theft. This includes using anti-theft devices, parking in well-lit areas, and being aware of any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods.
The recovered vehicles will be returned to their rightful owners, and the investigation into this international vehicle theft ring continues.
