Canadian security operatives have made a shocking discovery.
According to Toronto Sun, over 70 stolen cars valued above $4.5 million have been discovered in a joint investigation with the Canada Border Services Agency. The stolen cars were heading to Nigeria and Ghana.
Seventy-three vehicles have been recovered from across the GTA as a result of the effort of the York Regional Police, Toronto Police and Canada Border Services Agency.
While talking about the recovery, Toronto Police Superintendent, Ron Taverner said: “Auto theft is of huge concern to police. And we’re actively involved in investigations and targeting groups that are involved in these particular crimes. They’re organized crime groups and they’re going out and stealing these vehicles and, in a lot of cases, they’re being put in containers and shipped off to other countries. And we’re finding more and more of this is taking place. Money drives a lot of these crimes.”
According to police, the investigation commenced in September when authorities were notified that a gang of thieves were allegedly aiming to steal Lexus, Toyota and Honda cars and were operating out of a location in Mississauga’s Kitimat Rd.
In the same vein, Investigators have allegedly linked this group of thieves to another 32 stolen cars that are believed to have been shipped to either Ghana or Nigeria.
York Regional Police Chief, Jim MacSween said: “Our investigators have been working tirelessly to identify those responsible for the many thefts of high-end vehicles in York Region.”
41-year-old Abu Sadiq Ayi, 32-year-old Michael Atta, 42-year-old Prince Boateng and 40-year-old David Ansong are facing many charges which include theft of a motor vehicle.
Taverner said the rate of vehicle thefts has increased in Toronto’s residential driveways.
