Particle.news
Download on the App Store
3 ARTICLES
·
6mo ago

Ontario Introduces New Law to Combat Vehicle Identification Number Fraud

The legislation follows a major police operation that uncovered widespread VIN fraud and auto theft in Toronto.

Ontario's Minister of Transportation Prabmeet Sarkaria attend Question Period at the Ontario Legislature in Toronto, Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
Toronto police say dozens of people have been arrested so far in an ongoing investigation into auto theft and fraudulent vehicle identification numbers.Toronto Police lettering is shown on the side of a police vehicle in Toronto on August 2, 2023. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Richard Buchan

Overview

  • Ontario's proposed legislation aims to create a new offence under the Highway Traffic Act for providing false vehicle identification numbers.
  • Penalties for the new offence include fines up to $100,000, six months in jail, and potential suspension of driver's licenses or vehicle permits.
  • Toronto police's Project Thoroughbred has resulted in 59 arrests and over 300 charges related to auto theft and VIN fraud.
  • The investigation revealed a scheme involving ServiceOntario employees allegedly registering fake VINs for stolen vehicles.
  • Authorities have recovered over 360 stolen vehicles and discovered chop shops where cars were dismantled for overseas shipment.