Photo credit: Toronto.com
An ongoing police investigation into auto thefts has led to the arrest of 59 people and the laying of 302 charges.
Toronto Sun reports that the investigation began in July and is tagged Project Thoroughbred.
Warrants have been issued for more than a dozen people, and more than 363 stolen vehicles, valued at approximately $14 million, have been recovered.
Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw said, “While auto thefts in Toronto have declined by 21% compared to this time in 2023, the problem persists, particularly as it relates to carjacking.” He was joined at the Friday press conference by Supt: Ron Taverner, Unit Commander of 23 Division, and Toronto Councillor Josh Matlow.
The investigation uncovered a scheme involving the registration of fake VINs by employees of a ServiceOntario location with the fake VIN used to register real licence plates and sell the stolen vehicles to unsuspecting buyers at a significant amount.
Taverner described auto theft as “an epidemic, particularly in the northwest end of the city.
“As you can imagine, this is a very lucrative market for these stolen parts. They offer high rewards financially with minimum risk.
“The reinforcing of the cycle of thefts and the export, of the high demand for cars overseas, make it difficult for investigators to keep on top of these things.”
He revealed that Project Thoroughbred uncovered three elements of the scheme: The registration of fake VINs for stolen vehicles, the quick dismantling of stolen vehicles by local chop shops (often 24-48 hours after they are stolen), and the overseas shipment of vehicles with phony VINs.
None of the fifty-nine people arrested are ServiceOntario employees. However, he said the investigation is ongoing and that he expects charges to be laid soon.
The probe also involved the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), and Equite Association, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), York, Durham, and Montreal Police Services, and the OPP.
