Project Warden, a stolen vehicle trafficking probe by Toronto Police that began in August, has led to 176 charges against two men.
Toronto Police say the accused worked as sales people at a legitimate Toronto car dealership but allegedly acquired and sold stolen cars as legitimate used cars to unsuspecting buyers
Cops say the alleged year-long criminal activities delivered a $2.18-million loss to both the dealership and the public.
“The accused would generate fictitious sales documents using stolen and fake VIN numbers, or Vehicle Identification Numbers (and) they would also modify and alter Carfax reports so they can present the vehicle as a legitimate purchase,” Det. Dan Kraehling told a Wednesday press conference.
“The stolen vehicles would then be delivered to the buyer, unbeknownst to them that the paperwork that they had just filled out didn’t match the vehicle that they had just taken possession of.
“In some cases, the stolen vehicles were falsely registered to individuals that were not listed on the sales documents including one individual who was deceased at the time of the sale,” he added.
Toronto Police executed eight search warrants during the week of Oct. 21 on residences, commercial garages, and vehicles and recovered two suspected “re-vinned” vehicles, in addition to documents and electronics used to facilitate the fraudulent activities and linked 22 vehicles to the scheme.
Charged with 84 and 92 offences, respectively, is Fadi Zeto, 32, of Mississauga, and Harris Bocknek, 35, of Barrie.
The detective said they’re still investigating to see if any ServiceOntario employees were involved in this alleged scheme.
Kraehling advised that when buying a used vehicle, be sure to independently obtain vehicle history reports and that re-vinned/stolen vehicles will often have discrepancies such as being the wrong colour or having inconsistent odometer readings.
Kraehling said police believe there may be more victims and ask anyone who believes they were falsely sold a used car to contact 53 Division at 416-808-5306.