Four arrested as Quebec authorities break up ring that targeted luxury vehicles

MONTREAL – Authorities in Quebec have broken up a ring they allege shipped stolen luxury vehicles to Africa.

Canada Border Services Agency and the RCMP began a joint investigation after customs agents discovered vehicles inside shipping containers at the Port of Montreal about one year ago.

Police say they’ve arrested four people today and been able to recover about $1 million worth of stolen property over the course of their year-long investigation.

Police allege a sophisticated network was behind a rash of car thefts in Montreal, Quebec City and Ontario.

An RCMP spokesman says the network went to lengths to mask the stolen vehicles by altering their serial numbers and using forged paperwork with the names of real import/export firms.

The four accused are expected to appear in a Montreal courtroom this afternoon.

They face a wide range of charges that include conspiracy, trafficking and possession of property obtained by crime, identity theft, car theft, possession of break-in instruments, forgery and uttering forged documents.

In all, 44 stolen vehicles were identified, with 29 of them recovered, mainly at the Port of Montreal. Police also found a stolen boat.

The vehicles were believed bound for Africa, particularly Angola, Guinea and Burundi.