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

An investigation by Alberta's Law Enforcement Response Team (ALERT) into drug trafficking in Fort McMurray has resulted in charges against one person and multiple drugs and guns seized from a home in the city. 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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