Auto theft ring was operating in Saskatchewan, OPP investigation finds

A major investigation into auto thefts led by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has resulted in a number of arrests in Ontario and Saskatchewan, and the recovery of more than 200 stolen vehicles.

According to the OPP, the investigation began in September of 2020 after officers uncovered a network of auto thieves who were modifying vehicle identification numbers in order to sell the cars privately.

Three separate criminal organizations were involved in the thefts, the OPP said, including a group based in Durham and Toronto that was fraudulently registering stolen vehicles in Saskatchewan, then transferring the registrations back to Ontario and reselling the vehicles.

The investigation, which involved a number of police agencies including the Saskatoon Police Service, has so far led to 28 arrests, 242 criminal charges, the seizure of six firearms and large quantities of drugs, and the recovery of 214 vehicles valued at more than $12 million.

Honda and Acura were the most common makes of the stolen vehicles, the OPP said, but high-end luxury vehicles like a Lamborghini worth approximately $200,000 were also recovered.

“Members of the public should be cautious when purchasing a vehicle through a private sale,” the OPP said in a statement.

“Buyers should ensure they retrieve as much information as possible on both the vehicle and the seller and perform due diligence in advance of providing any funds to the seller. Buyers should be suspicious of a private seller who will not provide identification or who insists on receiving cash as payment.”