Winnipeg Police say that during the summer of 2016 they received several reports about used luxury vehicles being obtained using forged identity documents. During a two month period, eight vehicles were taken fraudulently with a value of more than a half a million dollars.
The investigation expanded after investigators got a call from the Canadian Border Service Agency about two of the vehicles they recovered in shipping containers in the Port of Montreal. The vehicles were intercepted before they were loaded onto ships bound for overseas.
Three more vehicles were stolen the same way between October and December 2016.
Winnipeg Police Service, Financial Crime Unit, out of concern over how these vehicles were being stolen began a taskforce named Project Whip.
Project Whip investigators learned that the thieves would open bank accounts outside of Manitoba using forged out of province driver’s licences and phoney employment records. Once the accounts were open the culprits would come to Winnipeg and use the same documents and the newly opened bank accounts to get financing for the vehicles.
In the October to December 2016 frauds the suspects were able to get their hands on a 2016 Chrysler 300, a 2012 Mercedes C63 and a 2012 Range Rover.
Investigators were able to quickly identify who they are calling a “local connection” in the scam.
Officers were able to locate the three vehicles, one in the RM of Ritchot and two within Winnipeg.
On January 5, 2017, police executed a search warrant at a home on Red Oak Drive and arrested several people for fraud and property offences.
As the investigation continued officers were able to identify more people involved in the scam.
Bemy Solow Nendaka, 31 from Winnipeg.
Participate in a Criminal Organization
Fraud Over $5,000, Posses Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
Possess/Use Forged Document et al
Amadou Diaby, 26 from Winnipeg.
Participate in a Criminal Organization
Fraud Over $5,000, Posses Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
Identity Theft, Possess/Use Forged Document et al
Kyle George Andrysiak, 22 from Calgary, Alberta.
Participate in a Criminal Organization
Fraud Over $5,000, Identity Fraud, Identity Theft
Use Forged Document et al
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Sekou Amadou Dicko, 48 from Winnipeg.
Possess Property Obtained by Crime Over $5,000
Possess Identity Document (x4)
The four accused have been charged in relation to the vehicles obtained between October and December 2016. Investigators say that these individuals were not involved in the original theft of eight vehicles from the Summer of 2016.
The investigation continues.
-Staff-
© 2017 News 4, a DigiPix Media Group company
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