2 Ghanaians, 4 others arrested in $2.2 million car theft in Canada
Michael Arthur Clark, 42, of Oakville, and Samuel Owusu-Hammond, 31, of Toronto, Canada, are two Ghanaians who were detained for their roles in auto theft. Ala’a Ghazal, 25, of Mississauga, Kiryl Andrushkevich, 31, of Toronto, Laye Mamadee Kromah, 25, of Hamilton, and Alex Kabia, 52, of Toronto were also detained along with the accused, who are allegedly part of a car-stealing conspiracy.
The York Regional Police investigators released a statement stating that they have been charged with Failure to Comply with Undertaking, Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000, Trafficking in Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000, and Possession of Automobile Master Key (all except KABIA).
Twenty-five of the stolen automobiles, valued at $2.2 million, were found by York Regional Police officers in collaboration with the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) and Équité Association. Six individuals were charged with various charges.
According to a YRP news release, auto cargo theft unit investigators discovered last month that many stolen cars were parked in a Mississauga parking lot. Suspects were located and other places where stolen cars were being taken and kept were found via investigation.
When a search warrant was carried out at a Mississauga warehouse on December 14, shipping containers containing stolen cars were discovered. The Greater Toronto Area had received reports of stolen autos from all throughout the city. A key reprogramming device, master car keys, and multiple stolen license plates were also found by the police. According to authorities, a total of 25 stolen cars with a combined estimated value of $2.2 million were found.
During the execution of the search warrant, five people were taken into custody and prosecuted. On December 22, Alex Kabia, a sixth suspect discovered during the inquiry, was apprehended by CBSA agents at Toronto Pearson International Airport pursuant to an arrest order. He was charged after being turned over to York Regional Police.