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ALERT charges ‘prolific’ fraud suspect after high-end vehicles recovered in B.C.

Three Calgary massage parlours have been shut down following a year-long investigation by Alberta's Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT). File/Global News

Police have charged a man they’re calling a “prolific” vehicle fraud suspect after an investigation that spanned multiple provinces.

Officials with the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) allege Philip Mackay fraudulently purchased high-end, luxury vehicles from multiple car dealerships.

ALERT worked with investigators in British Columbia and Saskatchewan and were able to recover two high-end vehicles in Richmond, B.C. — a 2020 Ford truck valued at $74,000 and a 2019 Land Rover valued at $138,000.

“This suspect is well-known among auto crimes investigators and we suspect these vehicles were in the process of being transported to foreign black markets,” Det. Knut Shoebotham said in a Wednesday news release.

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ALERT issued a warrant for Mackay’s arrest on charges of fraud, possession of stolen property and identity theft.

The 61-year-old is currently in custody in Ontario for separate but similar offences.

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