In a significant breakthrough, the York Regional Police Auto Cargo Theft Unit and the Integrated Property Crime Task Force, in coordination with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and supported by Équité Association, have successfully dismantled a major auto theft ring, culminating in the recovery of 25 stolen vehicles valued at over $2.2 million

Five suspects were apprehended during the execution of the search warrant, and on December 22, 2023, the investigation led to the arrest of Alex Kabia, a Sierra Leonean Canadian who was taken into custody by CBSA officers at Toronto Pearson International Airport, acting on an arrest warrant

Subsequently, he was handed over to the York Regional Police and now faces charges related to the extensive auto theft operation.

The investigation, initiated in November 2023 by the Auto Cargo Theft Unit, led authorities to a parking lot in the City of Mississauga where numerous stolen vehicles were identified. Subsequent inquiries revealed additional locations where stolen vehicles were being stored

Executing a search warrant on December 14, 2023, at a warehouse in Mississauga, law enforcement discovered stolen vehicles concealed inside shipping containers.

The recovered vehicles had been reported stolen from various locations across the Greater Toronto Area. In addition to the vehicles, authorities seized stolen license plates, master car keys, and a key re-programming device during the operation.