The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) concluded a months-long investigation into car thefts in the capital, recovering 75 stolen vehicles, and pressing charges against eight individuals.
The 'Project Phoenix' began in January 2023 and concluded earlier this month with the aim of identifying, disrupting, and dismantling groups involved in organized car theft in response to the rising rates of organized vehicle theft.
The number of stolen cars believed to be linked to organized car theft in Ottawa in 2023 has shown a 30% increase compared to the same period the previous year.
In total, 75 vehicles were recovered through 'Project Phoenix' by the Ottawa Police and its partner law enforcement agencies, including two shipments of stolen vehicles destined for Montreal, where the police believe they were intended to be sent out of the country through the Port of Montreal.
So far, eight individuals have been charged, including two Ottawa residents, two individuals from Gatineau, and four individuals from the Montreal area. Collectively, they face a total of 67 criminal charges, including motor vehicle theft, possession of stolen property over $5,000, and conspiracy to commit an indictable offense.