Potentially largest auto theft ring in Canada uncovered

Laval, Qubec police have broken up an alleged auto theft ring that may prove to be the biggest ever uncovered in Canada.

Police estimate there are more than 700 fully assembled vehicles, plus 200 with parts removed on the 1,000-square foot lot of Recyclage d’Auto Yasmine in Laval, reported the Montreal Gazette.

An investigation by authorities was sparked after patrol officers noticed frequent comings and goings at the offices of the auto recycler, adding to suspicions was the high volume of luxury cars brought to the lot, Nathalie Lorrain, a constable with Laval’s police forces, told the Gazette.

Investigators then arranged for the Socit de l’assurance automobile du Qubec (the auto insurance board) to do a spot check on the business, the Gazette reported. The check turned up evidence of three stolen vehicles.

The next morning officers returned with a search warrant and, “the first three vehicles we verified were reported stolen,” Lorrain told the paper.

“From what we have seen, we think it will be the biggest (illegal car parts ring) in Canada.”

Srete du Qubec investigators have been called in to analyze information on the company’s computers.

The owner of the lot, Nasser Mahmoud Aoude of Saint-Eustache faces five charges, including three counts of possession of stolen property, reported the Gazette.