Dismantling of a stolen vehicle export network

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At least 54 cars have been stolen by this network in recent months. (Archive photo)

Radio-Canada

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The Police Service of the City of Montreal (SPVM) announced Wednesday the dismantling, in the Montreal and Lanaudière regions, of a major stolen vehicle export network suspected of having seized at least 54 cars.

The director of the SPVM, Fady Dagher, made this announcement during a press conference concerning a federal investment of 15 million additional dollars to combat car theft.

Nine people aged 27 to 64 were arrested in this operation, including the alleged leader of the network, and nine locations were arrested ;subject of a search in Montreal, Mascouche, Terrebonne, Saint-Esprit, Saint-Félix-de-Valois, Sainte-Julienne and Saint-Lin.

Two vehicles were found on Wednesday, in addition to 19 others that have been recovered since the investigation began a few months ago , for a total of 21 of the 54 that were stolen. The salvaged vehicles, mostly late-model luxury SUVs and pickup trucks, are valued at more than $1.7 million.

Police also seized two loaded handguns, more than $40,000 in cash, various vehicle theft tools as well as an ounce of cocaine and three and a half kilos (eight pounds) of marijuana, according to a press release from the SPVM.

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Seven of the nine people arrested have already appeared before a judge. The alleged members of the network face charges of motor vehicle theft, receiving stolen property, conspiracy, entry by offense, trafficking in property obtained by crime and possession of a prohibited or licensed firearm. restricted with ammunition.

For the SPVM, the arrest of this network constitutes a good catch, since it would not only be a question of petty car thieves, but also of those suspected of orchestrating plans to transport vehicles abroad.

Today, the big hit was made in the middle [of the channel]. Yes, there were people on the street locating and stealing the cars and putting them in a place for the vehicles to cool, but it was the people bringing the cars to the port who were arrested today , said Fady Dagher.

With information from Marie-Josée Paquette-Comeau