Achi news desk-
Two people have been arrested after police recovered several stolen vehicles in central Ontario earlier this month.
In late 2023, OPP in Lambton County in southwestern Ontario launched an investigation after receiving a complaint about stolen vehicles with a combined value of approximately $3 million.
OPP say their extensive investigation led to the issuance of a search warrant on May 14 at an address in Stirling, a rural community 25 kilometers north of Belleville and approximately 450 kilometers east of Lambton County.
Investigators found several of the vehicles reported stolen, including some classic cars. Police also seized 16 vehicles from the two accused as proceeds of crime.
Robert Bradshaw, 54, and Gary Leblanc, 55, both of Stirling, Ont., were arrested and charged with motor vehicle theft over $5,000, fraud over $5,000, using false documents and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence. Leblanc was also charged with uttering threats.
Classic cars were among the vehicles recovered in Stirling, Ont., on May 14, 2024.
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Both were released from custody and are expected to appear in court in Belleville at a later date.
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According to the database of the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OVMIC), which audits Ontario car dealerships and dealers, the two men pleaded guilty in December 2003 to multiple charges under the Motor Vehicle Dealers Act as an unregistered dealer.
Bradshaw was fined $1,200 for each of her six guilty pleas; Leblanc received a $600 fine for each of his four guilty pleas, the OVMIC reports.
OPP say the investigation involves a number of units, including the Fleet, Supply and Weapons OPP Service, Hastings Central OPP crime unit and the emergency response team and the provincial car theft and towing team (PATT) led by OPP and provincial asset forfeiture unit (PATT). POUNDING).
The investigation is continuing, the police said on Thursday morning.
“Collaboration across our organization and with our partner agencies is essential to combating the prevalence of auto theft and related fraud in Ontario,” said OPP Det. Sup. Paula Milne from the organized crime enforcement centre.
Milne says PATT and PAFU are “well equipped” to assist with car theft and financial crime investigations.
“This investigation is further testament to the surge we have seen in car theft and financial crimes over the past few years and the need for subject matter experts to be involved in these investigations,” said Milne.
Lambton County OPP detachment commander Chris Avery says the “outstanding efforts” of crime unit members played an important role in bringing the multi-unit investigation to a close.
“Crime does not respect borders. That is why it is essential that members of law enforcement work together to bring criminals to justice,” he said.
– more to come
& copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
