NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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More than 50 vehicles stolen from across the Greater Toronto Area have been recovered as part of an ongoing auto theft investigation. The investigation began in January 2020, when investigators with the York Regional Police Auto/Cargo Theft Unit became aware of a group of people who were trafficking stolen vehicles.
As the investigation progressed and with the assistance of the Toronto Police Service’s 31 division, officers were able to link the thefts of vehicles from Vaughan, Markham, Toronto and Mississauga. The main style of vehicle that had been targeted for theft were Honda CRVs.
Also taken were Honda Accords, Toyota Highlanders, a Toyota Corolla, a Range Rover and Lexus sport utility vehicles. The vehicles were stolen overnight from residences and during the day from commercial properties by forcing entry into the vehicle and reprogramming a key by utilizing the vehicles onboard diagnostic port.
A total of 52 stolen vehicles destined for Africa travelling through Montreal via rail have been recovered as part of this ongoing investigation.
Investigators were able to identify people involved in the theft and trafficking of vehicles and automotive parts and have made multiple arrests and laid charges. Charged:
- Frank Victor, 31, City of Vaughan
- Miguel Russell, 48, City of Toronto
- Maxwell Asante, 35, City of Brampton
- Gavin Persaud, 22, City of Toronto
- Kevin Shamlall, 19, City of Toronto
- Karran Persaud, 20, City of Toronto
- Afzal Gulmahamad, 24, City of Toronto
- Emanuel Binful, 36, City of Oakville
- Rajkumar Singh, 46, City of Toronto
- Stanley Udeh, 39, City of Toronto
- Festus Nwobodo, 45, 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
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 at www.1800222tips.com
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