Story perspectives

$25 Million in Stolen Vehicles Recovered in Major Operation

12/18/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) recovered 306 stolen vehicles valued at approximately $25 million during Project Chickadee.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals linked to an auto theft ring exporting vehicles overseas.
The investigation, initiated in August 2023, uncovered fraudulent documents used by freight forwarding companies to illegally export vehicles to the Middle East and West Africa.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique reported over 30,000 vehicles stolen in Ontario in 2023, highlighting a surge in auto thefts.
Law enforcement continues to investigate to disrupt organized crime networks.

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Story summary

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) recovered 306 stolen vehicles valued at approximately $25 million during Project Chickadee.
The operation resulted in the arrest of 20 individuals linked to an auto theft ring exporting vehicles overseas.
The investigation, initiated in August 2023, uncovered fraudulent documents used by freight forwarding companies to illegally export vehicles to the Middle East and West Africa.
OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique reported over 30,000 vehicles stolen in Ontario in 2023, highlighting a surge in auto thefts.
Law enforcement continues to investigate to disrupt organized crime networks.