Auto Theft ring busted by joint IBC, government project

The Ontario Provincial Auto Theft Team received congratulations from the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) on its involvement in Project Eastbound and the resulting bust of an inter-provincial auto theft ring that recovered CD$6million in high end vehicles.
“Auto theft is a very serious crime that costs Canadians more the (CD)$1.2 billion every year,” Rick Dubin, vice-president, Investigations at IBC, says. “It is also a crime that spans across jurisdictions and political borders.
“As such, a co-ordinated effort of various police forces and stakeholders like the insurance industry is often required. Project Eastbound is an excellent example of what can be achieved through cooperation.”
IBC played a key role in initiating Project Eastbound’s 14-month investigation. The association also provided expertise and assistance throughout the investigation.
One of IBC’s key roles in assisting police was in helping to uncover the true identity of cloned stolen vehicles, according to the association.
IBC says in Canada, about 160,000 vehicles were stolen last year. About 30% to 35% are never recovered, and IBC says recovery rates are declining.
“This indicates increased involvement of organized crime, and that the vehicles are more often being re-identified, chopped and/or exported,” the IBC says in a press release. “Currently, about 54 stolen cars leave Canada every day.”