Organized auto theft network dismantled by policing partners

(Ottawa) –The Ottawa Police Service Organized Auto Theft Section, working in conjunction with Gatineau Police Service, RCMP National Port Enforcement Team and Canada Border Services Agency, laid charges against two persons in relation to an organized auto theft network that was targeting Lexus/Toyota products.

Erik POULIN, 34 years old, of Montreal was charged April 9th, 2015 with 23 counts of Theft of vehicle and 25 counts of Possession of Break–in Instruments, 4 counts of attempted theft and 2 counts of Possession of Property obtained by Crime.

Joel PILON, 27 years old, also of Montreal was charged with 22 counts of Theft of vehicle, 22 counts of Possession of Break–in Instruments, 2 Counts of theft over 5,000 dollars on March 3rd, 2015.

The investigation determined that a total of 25 vehicles were stolen from driveways of private residences in various neighbourhoods in Ottawa from April to September 2014. The value of the vehicles stolen is in excess of $800,000.

Six of the stolen vehicles were recovered in shipping containers at the Port in Montreal. The remaining vehicles are believed to have been shipped overseas, re-vinned and sold domestically or dismantled for parts.

PILON pled guilty to numerous charges and was sentenced April 17, 2015 to 3 years’ custody and fined $11,000. POULIN is before the courts, he has been released with strict conditions.

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