Canadian authorities have successfully dismantled a large transnational car theft and export network after a two-year investigation, recovering 306 stolen vehicles valued at approximately 25 million Canadian dollars. Many of the vehicles were bound for West Africa and the Middle East.
The operation, named **Project CHICKADEE**, was led by the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and other law enforcement agencies. The investigation uncovered a complex network involving freight forwarders, drivers, falsified documents, and intricate export routes.
The investigation began in August 2023 when four stolen vehicles were recovered in Toronto, leading authorities to uncover a much larger operation.
The stolen cars were rebranded with altered Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) and shipped through major Canadian ports. Police intercepted containers in transit and at ports in Montréal, Vancouver, and Halifax. Several raids in October and November 2025 led to the seizure of large sums of money, firearms, stolen vehicles, and digital records. Authorities arrested 20 individuals, who now face 134 charges.
One of the suspects is **Bismark Owusu-Ansah**, a Ghanaian national, who is facing multiple charges in connection with the operation. All accused individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
A key aspect of the investigation was financial intelligence, and authorities are now moving forward with asset forfeiture processes. OPP Commissioner **Thomas Carrique** emphasized that auto theft is a major contributor to organized crime and community insecurity.
Officials also highlighted that profits from stolen vehicles are often used to fund other criminal activities, such as trafficking in firearms and drugs.
This investigation marks a significant shift in Canada's approach to tackling international vehicle theft syndicates. Authorities have made it clear that Canada will no longer be a source market for such criminal operations.
Source: MyNewsGh.com
0 Comments