Auto theft, stock photo
Many stolen vehicles have been recovered and charges have been laid in an ongoing investigation.
Last month, members of the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Auto Theft Task Force identified two suspects believed to be responsible for shipping stolen vehicles overseas. Over the course of the investigation, a number of stolen vehicles entered an industrial warehouse in Burlington and were later observed being loaded onto sea containers.
In partnership with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), these containers were inspected resulting in the recovery of 17 stolen vehicles, with an estimated value of $1.5 million.
On Tuesday, October 24th, officers executed a search warrant at the warehouse and arrested two men connected to this investigation.
They have been charged for their involvement in this auto theft network:
- 39-year-old Maxwell Asante of Brampton – nine counts of Trafficking Stolen Property Obtained by Crime
- 37-year-old Isaac Osei Appiah of Brampton – six counts of Trafficking Stolen Property Obtained by Crime
A warrant has also been issued for a third male.
For more information about the Regional Auto Theft Task Force and tips to help prevent auto theft, click here.
Tips can be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca.
