According to authorities, a majority of the 600 cars seized from the Port of Montreal have been reported stolen from the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
The Montreal police, in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), conducted a joint operation at the port on February 12th. During the operation, they discovered that 400 of the 600 vehicles were reported stolen from the GTA.
The vehicles were being shipped to various countries, including Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. The estimated value of the stolen cars is around $30 million.
The investigation began when the CBSA noticed discrepancies in the vehicle identification numbers (VINs) of some of the cars being shipped. This led them to contact the Montreal police, who then launched a full-scale investigation.
The Montreal police have arrested two individuals in connection with the stolen vehicles. They have been charged with possession of stolen property and fraud-related offenses. The investigation is ongoing, and more arrests are expected to be made.
Authorities are urging the public to be cautious when purchasing used vehicles, especially from online marketplaces. They advise buyers to thoroughly check the VIN and registration documents before making a purchase.
The Montreal police also want to remind the public that buying a stolen vehicle is a criminal offense and can result in serious consequences.
This joint operation between the Montreal police and the CBSA highlights the importance of collaboration in combating organized crime and protecting the public from fraudulent activities.
The Montreal police are working closely with their counterparts in the GTA to identify the owners of the stolen vehicles and return them to their rightful owners.
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is urged to contact the Montreal police or Crime Stoppers.
