Kitchener man charged in fraud giving stolen vehicles new ID numbers
Posted May 14, 2026 09:09:39 AM.
Last Updated May 14, 2026 01:47:58 PM.
After raids in Kitchener and around Ontario, the OPP have laid charges and taken down what they call a fraud scheme that gave stolen vehicles clean new vehicle identification numbers.
Police said it was all part of Project Tailwind, that began in March and lead to search warrants executed on May 5 in Kitchener, Brampton, and Maple.
Investigators alleged documents were being obtained and misused to give stolen vehicles new VINs, so they could be legally registered, driven, and sold in Ontario.
The OPP said one of the four people arrested and charged works at a privately operated Service Ontario location.
A 28-year-old from Vaughan is charged with breach of trust, and trafficking property obtained by crime.
A 36-year-old man from Kitchener, and two accused from Brampton, were charged with offences related to forged documents, and trafficking property obtained by crime.
Police said six stolen vehicles were recovered, and electronic devices were seized.
Officials with Service Ontario helped with the investigation.
To learn more about protecting yourself when purchasing a used vehicle, click here.
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