Alberta RCMP’s Auto Theft Unit has busted an organized crime vehicle theft ring after a seven-month investigation.
Seven people from Edmonton and High River are facing 99 criminal charges, after RCMP recovered nearly two-million-dollars in stolen vehicles and are looking to recover another 150 vehicles. Cocaine, oxycontin pills and cash were also seized.
The suspects would use Alberta Registries’ Third-Party Authorization System to register fake VINs under the names of unsuspecting people without their permission. At times, they would report the re-VINed vehicles as stolen once they’re registered and collect the claim payment.
Newer high-end and luxury models are the main targets according to RCMP, including top pick-up truck models from Toyota and Land Rover.
RCMP say that between January and June, they’ve seen a continuous drop in auto thefts four years in a row with the highest drop this year of 18 percent.