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Expert says fraudsters love gift cards because they’re anonymous and easily accessible in stores. #fraudawareness #fraudprevention
Durham Regional Police recovered 23 stolen vehicles with an estimated recovery value of more than $1 million dollars during Project Vulture, part of a global police operation targeting stolen vehicles.
Project Vulture was done alongside Operation Carback, which was spearheaded by INTERPOL and coordinated through the RCMP.
In an effort to combat the rising auto theft trend, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) in partnership with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) formed Project Eleanor. Commencing in January, 2022 and over several months, HRPS investigated thieves responsible the reprogramming theft and trafficking of high end SUV’s and pickup trucks in Halton and throughout the GTA.
Through a variety of investigative means, several suspects were identified and the location of a shipping yard was discovered.
Over the course of two days, criminal code search warrants were executed at a residence in Toronto and a shipping yard in Mississauga.
As a result of Project Eleanor, 32 stolen vehicles were recovered worth an estimated $2.2 million dollars.
Investigators also located and seized $11,000 in Canadian currency, stolen property and technology used in reprogramming auto theft.
York Regional Police, in partnership with Peel Regional Police and the newly formed GTA task force on carjackings, have charged two suspects following a violent carjacking in the City of Vaughan.
On Tuesday, May 31, 2022, at approximately 1 p.m. York Regional Police responded to a carjacking in the area of Purell Crescent and Drummond Crescent. Police learned two suspects armed with handguns confronted a male victim in his driveway, demanding his wallet, phone and vehicle keys. The suspects stole the victim’s 2020 black Audi Q5 and personal property at gunpoint, then fled the scene prior to police arriving. Investigators of the YRP Hold-Up Unit were engaged.
The victim was not physically injured.
On Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Peel Regional Police 11 Division uniform officers were on patrol in the area of Meadowvale Town Centre Circle in the City of Mississauga when they located the stolen vehicle. The vehicle was occupied by two suspects, a male and female, who attempted to flee on foot before being apprehended by Peel officers. The suspects discarded a satchel while trying to escape, which was found to hold a loaded magazine for a firearm. A search of the stolen vehicle resulted in locating a firearm.
Newmarket, Ontario — When reports of corruption within the GTA’s towing industry first hit mainstream headlines, local police services looked poised to get to the bottom of it, but as the aftermath of Project Platinum is sorted out in court this week, defence lawyers are baffled by the amount of charges that have been stayed.
Don Carter, a lawyer representing one of the individuals accused in Project Platinum, said Justice Laura Bird’s decision to stay the charges against him “came entirely out of the blue,” when the decision was made in Newmarket, Ont. court on Wednesday.
“I was certainly surprised,” he said. “It was a shocking turn of events. Over 40 charges related to guns and drugs were stayed against my client. It was a really major project; its been going on for two years with several groups being prosecuted…I can only imagine the kinds of resources put into this by police and the Crown.”
In total, more than 80 charges linked to Project Platinum were stayed.
Despite leading to little tangible justice for those victimized by bad-apple towing companies operating against industry standards, the York Regional Police maintains that Project Platinum left a positive impact.
“Successful prosecution is not the only measure by which we achieve our community safety goals,” Const. Laura Nicolle wrote in an email. “These efforts resulted in a substantial decrease in violence connected to the tow-truck industry and we were pleased to support the subsequent regulatory changes that were made to better protect motorists.”
In today’s Ontario Budget, “Ontario’s Plan to Build,” Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy announced significant changes to the auto insurance system that are designed to give consumers more choice, make products more affordable, create fairness for all drivers and introduce new measures to tackle fraud. These measures build on the government’s 2019 budget commitment to reform the auto insurance system.
Giving consumers choice
IBC and its members have long advocated that Ontario drivers pay too much for auto insurance, and that message has finally been heard by government. Today’s budget makes a commitment to review the mandatory product and provide flexibility for consumers to tailor coverage to best suit their needs.
Tackling fraud
Today’s budget commits the government to a consultation in which it will solicit input from stakeholders on measures to crack down on fraudulent actors and activities that raise the cost of insurance for all drivers, including “removing identified fraudsters through excluded provider lists” also known as delisting. This measure to tackle fraud reflects a key recommendation that IBC and its members proposed during consultations with FSRA last summer.
The budget also proposes amendments to the Insurance Act to require insurers to report fraud information to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). FSRA will lead a consultation on a reporting tool that insurers will use to supply data. The budget also proposes to require insurers to report fraud information to the Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario (FSRA). FSRA will lead a consultation on a reporting tool that insurers will use to supply data. IBC will seek details on how the reporting tool will be managed.
Enhancing fairness
On April 7, Will Bouma, Parliamentary Assistant to Minister Bethlanfalvy, informed the Legislature that the Minister had instructed FSRA to undertake a review of the territory rating system, which has not been materially updated in several years. IBC agrees that updating that system will assist insurers to more accurately and fairly rate drivers, and today’s budget puts in writing that commitment to review the system.
In addition, the budget commits to a review of access to, and use of, alternative insurance coverage for consumers. The government will review the system in areas where auto insurance is the second-payor of benefits, and review whether auto insurance or other coverage should be the first-payor.
Next steps
A provincial election will be held on June 2. The items announced in today’s budget are contingent on the government being re-elected. IBC will continue to review the specifics in today’s budget to determine further implications for our members.
For more information, please contact:
Kim Donaldson
Vice-President, Ontario
Insurance Bureau of Canada
416-200-8416
kdonaldson@ibc.ca
Just months since being established, a pair of programs designed to clean up Ontario’s towing sector appear to be realizing some early gains.
Across the province, towing companies that respond to police-initiated calls must now be screened and approved by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). And in the Greater Toronto Area, a separate Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) pilot project divides such work into individual zones, limiting the tows on provincial highways to 10 pre-approved contractors that charge pre-defined rates.
York Regional Police has seized seven stolen catalytic converters after a traffic stop in the Town of Whitchurch-Stouffville.
On Wednesday, April 13, 2022, around 11:30 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Bloomington Road and Highway 404, conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle with stolen license plates.
Upon investigation, the officer located seven stolen catalytic converters. A 25-year-old male driver and 20-year-old female passenger were charged.
Seventy-one per cent of Canada’s P&C industry reports being happy with their new hybrid office arrangements, according to a Canadian Underwriter online poll.
Almost 46% reported being ‘very satisfied’ with moving to hybrid work, while a further 26% were satisfied. Only 11% reported being either dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their current hybrid office arrangements.
Canadian Underwriter’s poll of 650 P&C insurance professionals this week found almost 89% of the industry offers a hybrid work arrangement, meaning employees can choose to work from home for at least one day of the week.
Marketplace investigation finds stolen cars from Ontario and Quebec in Nigeria’s used car lots
Cars stolen from Ontario and Quebec are openly being advertised and sold in West African countries, including Nigeria and Ghana, according to a Marketplace investigation, which also found thieves are targeting vehicles with push-to-start ignitions.
Stolen vehicles are being shipped overseas by thieves so audacious, they leave behind takeout containers, identifiable bumper stickers and even licence plates.
When most people think of organized crime, they probably picture Tony Soprano’s “waste management” gig, the various drug cartels, or the body counts racked up by the Mafia in cities like New York and Chicago in decades past. But for the people living in Canada’s most populous province, organized crime takes a very different but very real form: Towing. Yes, towing. Criminal enterprises have run rampant across Ontario’s towing industry since at least the early 2000s, and the situation has resulted in unlawful tows, firebombs, and even murders across the greater Toronto Area.
To understand why there’s so much crime in Canada’s towing industry, we have to back up and look at what many local organizations blame as being part of the problem: the way police call tow trucks to the scene of a wreck, and the lack of industry regulation.
The total value of the vehicles stolen by the organization in Quebec and Ontario was about $2 million.
Laval police announced on Monday they had arrested five suspects and were seeking two others after breaking up a car theft ring that operated in Quebec and Ontario.
The Canadian P&C industry is responding to humanitarian relief efforts related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, with several carriers beginning to make sizeable donations.
The situation in Ukraine has escalated since Russia’s invasion on Feb. 24, and the humanitarian needs are extensive and increasing rapidly.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees estimates around 1.8 million Ukrainians have been displaced to date. And United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights reported 1,335 civilian casualties in the country (474 killed and 861 injured) as of Mar. 8.
Hello everyone, today the 8th March we commemorate International Women’s Day. The Board and I extended our best wishes on this day, to all our female colleagues.
Toronto, Ontario — According to newly released data from the Toronto Police Service, auto thefts are up more than 50 percent in the first two months of this year compared to the same period in 2021.
Around this time in 2021, 810 auto thefts had been reported in Toronto; this year, the city has already surpassed 1,240 reported thefts over the same two-month period.
Reports of theft have been steadily rising since 2018, which saw 642 reports from January to March, and investigators feel confident that they have pinned down where the root of the trend lay.
“Vehicle theft is not a victimless crime. We’re talking about organized crime and the funding of terrorism,” said vice-president of investigative services at Équité Association, Bryan Gast.
Other cars are stolen, “re-vinned” and re-sold within Canada, taking advantage of the current high demand for used vehicles.
Region of Peel – Investigators from the Peel Regional Police Commercial Auto Crime Bureau were involved in a six-month multi-jurisdictional investigation with numerous law-enforcement agencies and partners, resulting in the recovery of over 200 stolen vehicles worth over 11 million dollars and arresting numerous members of a prolific auto theft ring.
Peel Regional Police commenced “Project High 5” in collaboration with investigators from Halton Regional Police, York Regional Police and the Ontario Provincial Police. This investigation was supported through the funding provided by the Ontario Government, Criminal Intelligence Service Ontario. The investigative team also included members from Canada Border Services Agency, Mississauga, Port of Montreal – SPVM Police, Equite Association (previously, Insurance Bureau of Canada), Port of Halifax and Halifax Police Service. These partnering agencies were able to aid in the recovery of several stolen vehicles while many others were recovered within the Greater Toronto Area.
Project High 5 was initiated after a documented increase in motor vehicles being stolen from residents within the Region of Peel and Greater Toronto Area. It is alleged that suspects forced open the driver’s door and obtained access to the vehicle’s On Board Diagnostic Port (OBD). Once this was achieved, they utilized key programming devices to program a new aftermarket key fob. These were not the result of relay thefts and were captured by victims and neighbouring residences on home security. Most of the vehicles targeted have been identified as being the most commonly stolen vehicles by Equite Association, namely, Toyota Highlander, Honda CRV, Ford F150, Range Rover, and Lexus SUV models.
It is alleged that car owners in residential neighbourhoods were targeted while they slept and the vehicles were then loaded into shipping containers to export them to the United States and multiple West African and Middle Eastern Countries.
“These arrests and seizures are an impressive demonstration of the value of collaboration between the Peel Regional Police, our policing partners, and our community. It has resulted in successfully dismantling one of the most prolific organized crime rings in the Greater Toronto Area. The results are unparalleled. These crimes have impacted many hard-working citizens in Peel and neighbouring regions affecting our community’s well-being. While these enforcement efforts do have an impact, it is critical that they are coupled with crime prevention efforts from our communities. Together, we are making a difference.” said Nick Milinovich, Deputy Chief of Investigative and Emergency Services.
Investigators identified vehicles that had been fraudulently registered within the province of Ontario. These vehicles were sold to unsuspecting automotive dealerships, online dealer platforms and unassuming buyers. Police identified vehicles that had been exported previously and registered with cloned Vehicle Identification Numbers and further vehicles were recovered throughout the province and North America.
On Wednesday, January 19, 2022, members of the investigative team executed nine residential Search Warrants across Peel, Halton and York Regions resulting in the following:
The following persons were arrested and charged with a combined total of 321 charges:
A general provision of the Youth Criminal Justice Act (Y.C.J.A.) prohibits the release of the name of a Young Person and, therefore, the identities of the Young Persons charged in this investigation are protected.
To learn more about vehicle theft prevention, please visit PeelPolice.ca .
This investigation is ongoing and further arrests are anticipated. Anyone who may have information pertaining to this matter is asked to call investigators at the Commercial Auto Crime Bureau at (905) 453–2121, ext.3322. Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting peelcrimestoppers.ca.
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For media inquiries, please contact the on-duty Media Relations Officer at (905) 453-2121 ext. 4027.
N/R: 22-023
Inc: PR210346507
Comments from partnering agencies:
“The OPP is pleased to have participated in this impactful investigation. Canadians have the right to feel at ease in their homes, their communities, and to feel protected by law enforcement. Project High 5 is an example of Ontario law enforcement working together with a common goal of pursuing criminals who have threatened the peace of mind and safety of those we aim to protect. This trend in auto thefts has been occurring for years, and Project High 5 has halted the crime networks responsible for the auto thefts identified in this investigation.” – OPP Chief Superintendent Paul Mackey, Bureau Commander, Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau
“At the Halton Regional Police Service, we recognize that criminal organizations do not care about borders or jurisdictions and that we must work together with our partnering police agencies to tackle this global problem that is affecting so many of our communities. These arrests highlight that collaboration and send a clear message that organized crime will not be tolerated in our community” ~Deputy Chief Roger Wilkie
Through investigations and advanced analytics, Équité Association’s auto theft investigators and member companies are committed to combating auto theft and protecting Canadians by collaborating with law enforcement and the CBSA. This is an excellent example from Peel Regional Police and its partners of the hard work to disrupt and dismantle the organized crime groups behind these crimes. Well done! Bryan Gast, Vice President, Investigative Services of Équité Association
“The success of Project High 5 and our continued commitment to auto theft investigations proves that a coordinated effort by law enforcement and community stakeholders can have a major impact on criminal organizations. The Auto Cargo Theft Unit of York Regional Police was proud to have contributed to the success of Project High 5”. Insp. Mike Elliott #556 York Regional Police Financial and Organized Property Crimes
“The CBSA remains vigilant when it comes to ensuring that Canada’s borders are not used for illegal activities. We are proud to collaborate with our law enforcement partners and regional colleagues in ensuring the safety and security of all Canadians.”
-Lisa Janes, Canada Border Services Agency, Regional Director General, Greater Toronto Area Region
Peel Regional Police – A Safer Community Together
-30-
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Investigators with the York Regional Police Auto/Cargo Theft Unit have laid multiple charges and have recovered 50 stolen vehicles valued at approximately $3 million dollars in connection with an ongoing vehicle theft investigation.
Over the past several years, York Regional Police has seen an increase in thefts of vehicles from residential driveways. The majority of these thefts have occurred between midnight and 6 a.m.
Thieves have been using tools like screwdrivers to gain access into the driver or passenger doors, while ensuring not to set off alarms. Once inside, an electronic device, typically used by mechanics to reprogram the factory setting, is connected to a port below the dashboard and programs the vehicle to accept a key the thieves have brought with them. Once the new key is programmed, the vehicle will start and the thieves drive it away. The entire process only takes 10 to 20 minutes. Once stolen, vehicles are typically shipped overseas in shipping containers.
The York Regional Police Auto/Cargo Theft Unit with the assistance of the Canada Border Services Agency and Equite Association have remained active and aggressive in efforts to combat this issue and to identify suspects responsible. In this recent investigation, officers identified eight suspects, executed search warrants on two residential addresses and a commercial property and were able to successfully recover 50 stolen vehicles valued at approximately $3 million dollars. Officers also seized $80,000 in cash.
Vehicle owners are encouraged to consider the following safety tips to help prevent their vehicles from being stolen:
For more information contact the York Regional Police Auto/Cargo Theft Unit at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 6651, or call Corporate Communications at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 2664.
The Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) has made three arrests and laid multiple charges after an attempted theft of a vehicle in Oakville.
On Saturday January 8, 2022 just before 12:00 am police were contacted by an alert Oakville resident who observed a male suspect in the driveway of their home examining a Lexus SUV.
Police attended the area and made multiple arrests in connection to the investigation.
Gustavo Salazar (22) of Anjou QC, Konstantinos Sotiropoulos (21) of Laval QC, and Alexandre Doyon (21) or Montreal QC have all been charged with the following:
All three suspects were held in custody pending a bail hearing.
During the past year, the HRPS has seen a large volume of theft of high end sport utility vehicles. Suspects have used a relay or reprogramming methods to steal these vehicles, often using blank key fobs or automobile master keys.
During a reprograming theft, the suspect(s) forcefully gains entry to the vehicle. Once inside, the suspect(s) access the diagnostic port of the vehicle which allows them to reprogram a blank key fab to start and steal the vehicle.
The majority of vehicles being targeted include (but are not limited to):
There are some measures that residents can take to decrease the chance of the vehicle being stolen:
Additional Tips:
The HRPS is applying significant resources to investigate these occurrences. Crime prevention is a shared responsibility. Call 911 if you witness a crime in progress or if you see suspicious persons/vehicles in your neighbourhood.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216
Tips can also 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.
Media Inquiries:
Halton Regional Police Service
Corporate Communications
Phone: 905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca
Read this news update on our website
The Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, America’s only anti-fraud alliance speaking for consumers, insurance companies, government agencies, and others, has partnered with IBM and Luxoft to study the global impact of insurance fraud. The Globalization of Insurance Fraud study (the Study) is inaugural research that aims to gather information and develop insights that will help tackle globalized insurance fraud by exploring:
We invited counter-fraud practitioners, leaders, fraud bureaus, regulators, lawmakers and other interested parties to participate in this survey. Responses were anonymized and consolidated into this report.
The Coalition will continue to study the impact and perception of globalized fraud and how to fight back. Detailed analysis of data related to insurance fraud and combined with the results of our research will provide stakeholders with practical tools to help fraud fighters in their anti-fraud efforts. We hope our study will encourage fresh thinking and informed debate about how the industry can better respond to the threat.
Another great collaborative effort with law enforcement! Last week Équité Association assisted in the recovery of 88 stolen vehicles. This week, our team of investigators partnered with the Peel Regional Police as they dismantled a group responsible for cargo, tractor, and trailer thefts in southern Ontario. We’re proud to say that many of the stolen goods have been returned to their rightful owners!
On October 28, 2021, just after 4:00 am, the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) responded to a residence in the area of Threshing Mill Boulevard and Ballmer Trail in Oakville, for reports of a break and enter in progress. The home owner believed someone had entered the home while the occupants were inside. The home owner further advised that a vehicle belonging to the address (a 2020 white Mercedes Benz) had just been stolen from the driveway.
As officers attended the area, two vehicles were observed driving in tandem towards them at a high rate of speed. The first vehicle appeared to be a white Mercedes and the second vehicle was observed to be a blue compact sedan with 4 doors. Both vehicles fled the area at a high rate of speed. The Mercedes was not located however the blue sedan was stopped by officers in the area of Dundas Street and Eighth Line a short time later. Two occupants were observed in the vehicle. Officers on scene at the residence were able to confirm that the blue vehicle was involved in the theft of the Mercedes and entry to the residence. Both occupants of the vehicle were placed under arrest. The white Mercedes was recovered (unoccupied) by Toronto Police Service just after 5:00 am.
A 17-year-old male from Mississauga and a 19-year-old male from Kitchener have both been charged with:
Break and Enter, Possession of Break in Instruments and Theft of Motor Vehicle
Both parties were released with a court date.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the 2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 905-825-4777 ext. 2216.
Tips can also 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.
Media Inquiries:
Halton Regional Police Service
Corporate Communications Phone: 905-825-4899
Email: corpcomm@haltonpolice.ca
Read this news update on our website
Investigators with the York Regional Police Auto/Cargo Theft Unit have laid multiple charges and recovered 88 stolen vehicles in connection with an ongoing vehicle theft investigation.
The Auto/Cargo Theft Unit has remained active and aggressive in efforts to combat the issue of thefts of vehicles throughout York Region.
This recent investigation, dubbed project Crockpot began in June 2021. Officers identified nine suspects believed to be involved in thefts of vehicles, which were being shipped overseas and sold.
During the investigation officers executed search warrants at several locations in the City of Toronto and were able to successfully recover 88 stolen vehicles valued at more than $5 million dollars. They also seized a quantity of electronic re-progammers which are used to steal vehicles, and $300,000 in cash. Nine people were arrested including three people who were arrested in Quebec and 53 charges have been laid.
Recently, thieves have been using tools like screwdrivers to gain access to vehicles through the driver or passenger door, while ensuring not to set off alarms. Once inside, an electronic device, typically used by mechanics to reprogram the factory setting, is connected to a port below the dashboard and programs the vehicle to accept a key the thieves have brought with them. Once the new key is programmed, the vehicle will start and the thieves drive it away.
York Regional Police would like to thank partnering agencies for their assistance including the Canada Border Services Agency, Équité Association, The Malta Police Force, Malta Department of Customs and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police International Police Operations
Vehicle owners are encouraged to consider the following safety tips to help prevent their vehicles from being stolen:
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
Prepared by: Constable Laura Nicolle
21-196274
October 21, 2021
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TPS announces four arrests and significant seizures in yearlong identity theft investigation,
Porsche, $70,000 in cash and over 35,000 gift cards recovered in Project Hydra
Broadcast time: 07:30
Date: Thursday, October 21, 2021
Unit: Financial Crimes Unit
Phone: 416-808-7300
Case #: N/A
The Toronto Police Service has announced the takedown of an organized hierarchy committing millions of dollars in identity theft and financial frauds, including the seizure of thousands of stolen gift cards.
Dubbed Project Hydra, the yearlong investigation led officers to identify a chain of people from low-level identity thieves to counterfeit identification makers and distributors. Four people have been arrested and charged. Collectively, they face almost 100 criminal charges.
It is alleged that:
– in September 2020, the Financial Crimes Unit – Corporate Section, started an investigation into multiple occurrences of identity fraud and bank account takeovers
– suspects would steal the identities and personal banking information of unsuspecting victims
– using this information, they would create fraudulent identification and then employ other suspects to enter the financial institutions for the purposes of taking over the accounts
After identifying the location in which suspects would pick up the fraudulent identification, investigators were able to secure six criminal code search warrants for September 2, 2021.
As a result, three people were arrested.
Vladislav Tsyganok, 25, of Vaughan, was charged with:
1. two counts of Conspiracy to Commit an Indictable Offence
2. three counts of Trafficking in Identity Information
3. two counts of Transfers an Identity Document
Jamal Karama Sharif, 34, of Newmarket and Toronto, was charged with:
1. Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
2. three counts of Identity Theft
3. Fraud (Over)
4. Fraud (Under)
5. five counts of Possession of an Identity Document
6. Attempt Fraud (Under)
7. three counts of Possession Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime
Asmerom Tsegay, 31, of Toronto, was charged with:
1. two counts of Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
2. two counts of Identity Theft
3. two counts of Transfers an Identity Document
4. Fraud (Under) C.C. 380(1)(b)
5. two counts of Attempt Fraud (Under)
6. Obstruct Peace Officer
On September 24, 2021, a fourth person was arrested.
Nadia Campitelli, 46, of no fixed address, was charged with:
1. Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
2. nine counts of Fraud (Over)
3. twenty counts of Personation to obtain property interest
4. twenty-two counts of Use a forged document
5. four counts of Fraud Under $5,000
6. Attempt Fraud over $5000
7. seven counts of Attempt Fraud Under $5000
The following items were seized during the warrants:
– fraudulent identifications
– $70,000 cash
– a Porsche Panamera, valued at $100,000
– electronic evidence including hard drives, cell phones, computer printers, etc.
In addition, investigators also discovered a business believed to be involved in the distribution of fraudulent gift cards. Officers recovered 37,000 gift cards, with potential values of $50 to $500 each, and 1,300 pre-paid credit cards, with an estimated value of $216,000.
The investigation into the seized gift cards is ongoing and more arrests and charges are possible.
Click here for a video of Inspector Peter Callaghan from the Financial Crimes Unit talking about the project.
To reduce the risk of being victimized, consider the following tips:
– never send your personal financial information through email
– shred personal information before putting it in the garbage or recycling
– never share your PIN with anyone
– never click the link on text messages or emails from unsolicited sources.
– be aware of postal mail not arriving as before, as there is the potential for identity thieves changing the address
– only carry with you the identification you absolutely need and secure the rest
– regularly check your credit rating with Equifax Canada or TransUnion Canada
– when purchasing a gift card, check the receipt at time of purchase and compare data on receipt to the numbers on the card
– physically examine gift card for signs of tampering
– use a gift card immediately after it’s purchased
– avoid buying gift cards online or checking gift card balances on sites that are not the store’s official website
Here’s Detective David Coffey providing fraud prevention advice.
Detective David Coffey from the Financial Crimes Unit will be available for interviews between 10:30 a.m., and 12:30 p.m. Please email Connie.Osborne@torontopolice.on.ca to request a time and the location. Please note, the location must not be shared or published.
For media download photos and video files about the Project Hydra investigation, please visit here.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Corporate Communications for Detective David Coffey, Financial Crimes Unit
There are no files attached to this release.
Suspects are seen in this image taken from video surveillance in a York Region vehicle theft investigation. (YouTube/OfficialYRP)
York Regional Police have arrested and charged multiple suspects and recovered 28 vehicles in connection with an ongoing vehicle theft probe.
Over the past several years there has been an increase in thefts of Lexus and Toyota sport utility vehicles from residential driveways in York Region, police say.
The majority of these vehicles were stolen between midnight and 6 a.m.
Thieves have been using tools like screwdrivers to gain access into the vehicles, while ensuring not to set off any alarms, according to police.
Broadcast time: 17:00
Date: Wednesday, October 13, 2021
Unit: Financial Crimes Unit
Phone: 416-808-7318
Case #: 2020-2226242
The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance identifying a suspect in a Theft of Vehicle investigation in the Coxwell Avenue and Danforth Avenue area.
It is reported:
– on Friday, November 13, 2020, a woman used an identification in the name of Maya Patel
– the woman rented a grey 2017 Mercedes Benz C300 from a person
– the vehicle was to be returned on Tuesday, November, 17, 2020
– the vehicle was never returned
– as a result of the theft, the total loss is estimated to be more than $70,000
The investigation revealed that the identification appeared to look like the woman but it was not the same person that had picked up the vehicle.
The woman is described as approximately 28 years old, 5’5″, a medium build, with long black hair.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7318, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.
Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable, Dana Clark, Financial Crimes Unit
Attachments to this release are available on our website.
· New anti-fraud organization to combat multi-million-dollar insurance fraud problem that exploits vulnerable consumers
· Members to benefit from centralized approach with experienced investigation and analytics teams
(Toronto – Oct 1, 2021) Today, Équité Association formally launches as the Canadian insurance industry’s unified front against insurance fraud and exploitation. Insurance fraud and crime are a growing multi-million-dollar societal issue that results in higher premiums, wasted resources and consumer exploitation. ?
As technology evolves, insurance crimes have become more pervasive and require more effort and focus to protect Canadians. Équité’s launch is the result of an industry need for a central and focused strategy to keep insurance fraud out of Canada.
As a national, independent not-for-profit, Équité will integrate the widely reputable Investigative Services Division (ISD) from the Insurance Bureau of Canada with enhanced analytics capabilities. In the first half of 2021 and with pandemic restrictions, savings for the property& casualty (P&C) insurance industry, as supported by the efforts of the ISD, are valued at an estimated $34.4 million for stolen vehicle and commercial cargo recoveries. This strong starting point was without the benefit of having analytics integrated with investigations.
Équité is purposefully built as an independent organization to ensure transparency and deliver a centralized approach for members. Its membership – representing the top P&C insurers in Canada – will collaborate with Équité’s analytics and investigation teams to detect and prevent fraud and crime across the industry, while governing the association through representation on its Board of Directors.
President and CEO Terri O’Brien, one of Canada’s foremost leaders on fraud and risk strategies, who was appointed in April 2021, intends to take a collaborative, results-focused approach to make meaningful progress in the fight against insurance fraud.
“Through Équité, members will have access to an advanced network dedicated to detecting and preventing insurance fraud and crime, including: advanced analytics and countermeasures, investigative services, intelligence education and engagement, and reporting on emerging threats and trends,” said O’Brien.
She will be supported by a Board that has industry representation and expertise from Canada’s biggest insurers and agencies, led by Équité Association Board Chair and Aviva Canada CEO, Jason Storah.
“Insurance fraud is a very real and increasingly sophisticated problem for consumers, insurers, law enforcement and government,” said Storah. “Équité will proactively tackle it using world-class analytics and investigative techniques along with transparency on the outcomes to make progress in the fight against insurance fraud.”
About Équité Association
Équité is a Canadian company, in its inaugural year, committed to a more equitable world by tackling and reducing insurance crime. Insurance crime is a serious matter and becoming more pervasive through technology and digitalization. Équité strives to detect and prevent insurance crime in support of Canadian insurers through advanced analytics, intelligent best practices, and coordinated investigations. Équité was created by the industry to integrate the cross-insurer data analytics operations from CANATICS and the Investigative Services Division (ISD) of the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC). Équité continues leading edge investigations on vehicle and hard-asset theft & recovery services. Greater than the sum of its parts, Équité is an independent, not-for-profit organization, expanding the reach and impact of both founding teams while augmenting data, technology, and investigations to serve as a central point for insurance crime data and approaches across Canada.
Learn more by visiting www.equiteassociation.com.
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected a number of P&C insurance industry segments from auto to business interruption, and cargo theft is no exception.
Large events such as the pandemic will result in shifts to the methods and types of goods stolen by cargo thieves, said Scott Cornell, national practice leader, transportation, with Travelers’ inland marine division. In fact, Cornell reported, there has already been three shifts in cargo theft trends over roughly the past 15 years — from electronics, to food and beverage, to home goods
Accident Support Services International Ltd. (ASSI) is proud to partner with the Peel Regional Police Service on the implementation of three Collision Reporting Centres (CRCs) throughout the region on Wednesday, October 13th 2021. The two CRCs in Mississauga will be located inside Peel Regional Police buildings, the first being Headquarters at 7150 Mississauga Rd open Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm, the second at 11 Division located at 3030 Erin Mills Pkwy open Monday to Saturday 10am – 6pm. The Brampton CRC will be located at Shoppers World at 499 Main St S Unit 189A open Monday – Friday 8am-8pm and weekends + holidays 10am – 6pm.
ASSI’s goal is to facilitate an active partnership between Police and Insurers in post-collision care and provide knowledgeable advice and assistance to accident victims. Upon arrival at the centre, citizens are greeted by a member of Accident Support Services’ staff, who helps to complete the police report, applies the “Damage Reported to Police” sticker, photographs the damage to the vehicle, and offers the customer the opportunity to contact family, broker, or their insurance company directly from the Centre. Supporting Insurers of the CRC program have unique branded handouts that are provided to every customer outlining the next steps to move forward with their claim.
ASSI is excited about this multiple CRC expansion into Peel Region and the continued support received from the Insurance Industry. Insurers are able to utilize the opportunity of a CRC staff member being face to face with their client by enhancing the customers post-collision experience and directing the claim to preferred vendors. This allows insurers to increase customer retention, lower claims cost and lessen the opportunity for fraud.
Media Enquiries for Accident Support Services International Ltd.
Kumar Siva, COO
coo@accsupport.com
1-877-895-9111
Ashley Kendall
Client Relationship Manager
akendall@accsupport.com
1-877-895-9111