OPP Busts Car Theft Ring, ServiceOntario Employees Charged

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.

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

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.