Over 40 Stolen Canadian Cars Headed To Libya And Turkey Recovered

• These vehicles were stolen from the Greater Toronto Area.

• Most were found in shipping containers in Italy.

• Brands of stolen cars include Audi, BMW, Lexus, and others.

Back in April of 2020, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) flagged the export of a 2018 Audi Q7 as suspicious. In the process, they discovered that this Q7 was under investigation by the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit in relation to an ongoing auto finance fraud investigation. In no time, and with the help of the Italian National Police, more than 40 stolen vehicles were recovered.

The recovery of these vehicles has lead the Financial Crimes Unit to execute a search warrant at the RS Royal Services offices located 53 Bakersfield Street, in Toronto. Investigators recovered more evidence and additional vehicles that are being investigated. 10 of the 40 vehicles, values at roughly $300,000, were seized by the CBSA ahead of being exported from Canada.

The other 30 or so were seized at the Italian ports of Salerno and Tauro by the Italian National Police following a collaborative effort with the York Regional Police along with CBSA officers. The value of these seized cars is approximately $1.5 million and includes BMW, Lexus, Toyota, and many other brands. Ultimately, the vehicles will be returned to Canada and to their lawful owners.

From the York Regional Police’s website:

“This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police Financial Crimes Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6612, or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.”