NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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More than 70 vehicles stolen from across the Greater Toronto Area have been recovered as part of an ongoing auto theft investigation by the York Regional Police Auto/Cargo Theft Unit.
The investigation began in September 2020 when investigators working in conjunction with the Toronto Police Service Auto Theft Suppression Unit and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) became aware of a group of people trafficking stolen vehicles out of a hub location at 29-6635 Kitimat Rd. in Mississauga. The main brand of vehicles targeted were Lexus, Toyota and Honda.
A total of 73 stolen vehicles have been recovered, worth more than $4.5 million. Investigators have also been able to link this group to a further 32 stolen vehicles that are suspected to have been shipped overseas to either Ghana or Nigeria.
Investigators were able to identify four people involved in the theft and trafficking of vehicles and have made multiple arrests and laid charges.
Charged:
• Abu Sadiq Ayi, 41, City of Toronto
• Michael Atta, 32, City of Toronto
• Prince Boateng, 42, City of Toronto
• David Ansong, 40, City of Toronto
Charges include:
• Trafficking in property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Theft of motor vehicle over $5,000
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000
• Possession of automobile master key
• Theft of motor vehicle
“Our investigators have been working tirelessly to identify those responsible for the many thefts of high-end vehicles in York Region,” said York Regional Police Chief Jim MacSween. “These arrests and the recovery of the stolen vehicles could not have been made without the assistance of our policing and investigative partners.”
“The City of Toronto has experienced an increased volume of vehicle thefts from residential driveways. This collaborative approach with our partners has lead to the identification and recovery of numerous vehicles,” said Supt. Ron Taverner, with the Toronto Police Service. “We look forward to continuing this partnership as we address this ongoing multi-jurisdictional issue.”
“The CBSA and York Regional Police are committed to dismantling criminal organizations in our communities. Charges laid today demonstrate our joint effort to safeguard Canadians and to protect our economy,” said Lisa Janes, regional director general of CBSA, Greater Toronto Area Region. “Anyone with information about suspicious cross-border activity can anonymously call the Border Watch Line toll-free at 1-888-502-9060.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Auto/Cargo Theft Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6651 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS, or leave an anonymous tip online.
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