Four arrested as police investigate vehicle theft ring in Hamilton
Published December 9, 2019 at 4:26 pm
Four people were recently arrested as part of a police investigation into a crime ring believed to be exporting stolen vehicles out of the country.
Four people were recently arrested as part of a police investigation into a crime ring believed to be exporting stolen vehicles out of the country.
In August 2019, Hamilton Police launched an investigation on a Hamilton male who was heavily involved in organized auto theft and exporting stolen vehicles out of Canada.
The investigation, dubbed Project Seagull, was conducted in partnership with the Insurance Bureau of Canada, Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) and the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA).
“Operating out of Hamilton, the organized auto theft ring involved local auto sales businesses,” police say. “Investigators believe the group has been involved in over 39 vehicle thefts with a value in excess of $1,600,000.”
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At this time, investigators have recovered seven stolen vehicles bound for Iraq, and believe many more have been shipped.
On Thursday, December 5, police executed search warrants on six local businesses (listed below) and three residences.
- Quanset Hut 401 – Parkdale Ave North
- Zara Auto Sales – 119 Parkdale Avenue North
- AB Auto Recyclers and Dealer Exports – 6 Macallum St
- Gated/storage compound – 521 Wentworth St N
- Mr. Temo Auto Repairs & Cars-X Auto Sales – 15 Wentworth St N
- Stoney Creek Airport (two leased hangers) – 684 Mud St
“During the warrants, police seized 12 stolen vehicles, numerous vehicle parts, cash, gold jewellery and other suspected stolen items, as well as car keys and fobs. In addition, there were numerous fraudulent Vehicle Identification Numbers, shipping documents and stolen Mexican passports.”
Four people were arrested on the following charges:
Yehia Al-Jbouri, 50:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime x28
- Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime x12
- Fraud Over x1
- Fraudulent Concealment x4
- Tamper with Vehicle Identification Number x6
- Conspiracy to Commit x1
- Participate in activities of a criminal organization
Zeyad Al-Khafaji, 45:
- Fraud Over x1
- Fraudulent Concealment x1
- Conspiracy to Commit x1
- Participate in activities of a criminal organization
Amer Al-Ogaili, 46:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime x13
- Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime x4
- Fraudulent Concealment x3
- Tamper with Vehicle Identification Number x5
- Participate in activities of a criminal organization
Nahla Khayon, 46:
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime x1
The four have been released and are scheduled to appear in court in January.
The investigation is ongoing and further charges may be pending.
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