A joint Canada Border Services Agency and Ontario Provincial Police update on Project CHICKADEE credits the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada (FINTRAC) with providing financial intelligence disclosures described as essential to dismantling an auto theft organization that facilitated the export of stolen vehicles through freight forwarding businesses. The operation recovered 306 stolen vehicles valued at approximately CAD 25 million and resulted in 20 arrests and 134 charges. Project CHICKADEE began in August 2023 and focused on stopping stolen vehicles being shipped overseas, including to the Middle East and West Africa, with container inspections conducted at the ports of Montréal, Vancouver and Halifax. Search warrants executed on 16 October 2025 and 27 November 2025 led to seizures including firearms, vehicle-shipping documentation, key programmers and keys, a re-VINed vehicle, and cash exceeding CAD 190,000 and USD 32,000; charges were laid under the Criminal Code, the Customs Act and the Cannabis Act. The Ontario Provincial Police Provincial Asset Forfeiture Unit is investigating potential proceeds-of-crime offences and supporting seizure of offence-related property.
Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada 2025-12-17
The Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada provides financial intelligence supporting Project CHICKADEE recovery of 306 stolen vehicles
FINTRAC provided crucial financial intelligence for Project CHICKADEE, aiding in dismantling an auto theft ring exporting stolen vehicles. Led by the Canada Border Services Agency and Ontario Provincial Police, the operation recovered 306 vehicles worth CAD 25 million, resulting in 20 arrests and 134 charges. Seizures included firearms, vehicle documentation, and cash, with ongoing investigations into proceeds-of-crime offences.