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.
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.